1/4 A challenge we are facing repeatedly is addressing the mental health of our elderly Covid patients. Some need admission for oxygen therapy and other care. Clinically, they can be doing well. However, they complain from social isolation which takes a toll on them mentally.
2/4 Visitation is not easy on the Covid ward. Access to internet is available, and video calls can be made. Yet, we are social beings. What the elderly most crave, or need, is human contact. This is limited with Covid. How can this be attained?
3/4 Some patients who had a family member stay with them seem to become different person. They were calmer. But once alone, they became agitated. We have tried to encourage Covid patients to visit each other. However, not everyone is comfortable meeting strangers.
4/4 The silver lining to this is that Covid is forcing physicians and nurses to address not only the physical illness, but the mental one as well. From a healing perspective, doctors and nurses will come out of this better. If only this would be true for all patients as well.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
