Family of JC Manor resident finally reunite with mother following new COVID-19 guidelines

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (KMIZ)

The COVID-19 pandemic has kept families and friends across the world from seeing each other in person as social distancing became the new normal. For families in high-risk communities like long-term care facilities, the stakes are even higher.

Outbreaks of the virus in those homes have popped up across the country, and Mid-Missouri was not spared. In mid-August, an outbreak at Jefferson City Manor left three dead, and dozens sick.

As of Thursday, there have been no new cases of the virus. The facility is now allowing 30-minute outdoor only visits for residents, that must be scheduled.

The news that residents could finally see their family brought Olivia Barklage's mother to tears, who has been a resident of the home for about a year. She called Barklage to tell her the news.

"I couldn't understand what she was saying because she was crying so much, but she said, you get to come see me," Barklage said. "I said, but mom why are you crying? And she said because I'm so happy."

Barklage and her brother got to see their mother on her birthday and surprised her with cake and flowers, but she was not able to open the gifts during the visit out of an abundance of caution.

"That's another thing I kind of miss, seeing her blow out her candles... Just the closeness, and being able to hug them and kiss them and take the selfies with them."

The outdoor visits are behind a glass shield on a table and only two people can visit at a time.

The state released new guidance on visits at long term care facilities in the past week.  State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Missouri Jenny Hollandsworth said these guidelines could help the mental health of those who may not have seen loved-ones for months.

"The social isolation has proven to be extremely detrimental to residents, so there needs to be a balance," Hollandsworth said. "I think that's what our state is working towards with the new guidance that has come out, residents need that physical and emotional support that they receive from visiting family and friends."

Many residents of long-term care facilities have been stuck in their rooms, only seeing staff at some points. Hollandsworth said the guidelines allow residents to feel a little bit normal again.

"It means everything to them, it's what they live for," Hollandsworth said. "Some of these residents, it could be near the end of their life, and they don't have a lot of time left with us here, so it's important."

As the spread of COVID-19 continues, Hollandsworth said it is important for long term care facilities to follow the guidelines set by the state.

"I do think though it is very important to find that balance and if it can happen safely, it should happen," Hollandsworth said.

Barklage said she is very pleased with the communication from JC Manor throughout the pandemic and the outbreak at the facility.

"I'm just really grateful, because I wanted to surprise my brother like I said, and they were able to arrange it to happen for us," Barlage said. "I just wish I could have had that hug and see her smile through her tears."

Jefferson City Manor could not comment on their procedures for reopening and visitations.

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