As of today DH's Care Home has, following a directive from the Care Commision, been closed indefinitely to all visitors, including spouses. Nor will we be allowed to take him out, e.g. to see the new house that DD1 has just bought.I know logically that this is to protect the residents and that DH will be well cared for and quite content. However this development has hit me hard.
We have been told that we can speak to DH on the telephone, but that is not going to work as he is very deaf. I can't bear the thought of not seeing him for weeks (maybe months), I will need to restructure my days, finding other things to keep me occupied. I will miss my visits - getting a hug and sharing a joke with DH, joining in the activities and sharing memories. I will miss the chats over a coffee with caring staff and other residents. Daughters and Grandbairns who usually visit at the weekend are also upset that they will not be able to see him. They have said that they will send him photos and letters about their doings.
Dementia is such a cruel disease both for the sufferer and those who love them. This pandemic has just added another dimension to the suffering.