It’s been nearly a year since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic. In that year, almost every aspect of our lives has changed – from the way we work to the way we shop, to the way we spend our leisure time. We’ve learned how to be resilient, how to change and adjust on a dime. We’ve also learned many personal and work related “silver-lining” lessons that will last long beyond the current health crisis. We’ve learned greater appreciation for the value of time with our families and we’ve learned how to better connect with and support each other as fellow humans during a terrible crisis.
At the same time, we’ve also suffered great loss – 23,000 coronavirus deaths in New Jersey alone with over 7,900 of those occurring among staff and residents of our state’s long-term care facilities. In addition to the tragic loss of life in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, family members have had to endure physical and emotional separation from their loved ones due to the continued lockdown of those facilities. The lack of in-person visitation and the loss of connection has had devastating health consequences for long-term care residents – consequences that are at least as significant as the coronavirus itself.
On Saturday, March 13, there is an opportunity to grieve for the losses we have suffered, support each other as members of the New Jersey family and bring attention to the need to change the way our state and the nation has handled visitation in our long-term care facilities.
As part of our advocacy efforts for change in New Jersey’s long-term care visitation policy, Alzheimer’s New Jersey® is pleased to share information about a memorial event that will take place in Long Branch from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. The event is sponsored by Family Advocate Care Experience (FACE NJ), a Facebook organized advocacy group providing an outlet for conversation and self-support for members whose loved ones are residents of long-term care facilities. Although not affiliated with Alzheimer’s New Jersey, many of the caregivers we help to support are among the family members who will gather on the beach to honor those who have died in long-term care due to COVID-19. Names will be read, music will be played and a wreath will float out to sea. Masks and social distancing will be required.
As we recognize the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, please consider attending. Let’s join the best of who we are with the worst of this health crisis so families who have suffered loss know that they are not alone.
