April 21, 2020 3:25 a.m.
Roseburg VA Health Care System is connecting veterans with families, despite coronavirus precautions.
A VA release said it is using technology to its advantage to overcome hurdles that are necessitated by COVID-19. A release said staff recognizes the mental health benefits that family visits provide to its residents. “Virtual Visitations” has recently been introduced which lets veterans connect with their families using mobile technology.
Community Living Center Nurse Manager Nick LaFata said one of the first things they did as part of the COVID-19 response was to restrict traffic in and out their CLC’s. He said “while this was a necessary step, we understand the added burden this places on our veterans and their families”. LaFata said they had the idea of virtual visits and though it took several weeks, the program is now up and running and the response from both veterans and family members has been outstanding.
LaFata said while the situation isn’t ideal for veterans, having an alternate method to keep residents connected with their spouses, family members and outside support system is important to their over overall health. He said “not knowing how long the COVID-19 response will last, we owe our residents as many normal or semi-normal activities as possible”.
The release said only staff assigned to the CLC’s are allowed in and out to help navigate the chances of the introduction of the coronavirus. Roseburg VA Director Keith Allen said while this was done out of an abundance of caution, CLC staff are working to make life inside both the River House and the Lodge as normal as possible.
To schedule a visit with a resident of the CLCs, call 440-1000 and use extension: 44777.