Efforts to protect and care for the most vulnerable during the pandemic expand Monday.CVS Health will start COVID-19 vaccination efforts at long-term care facilities in 36 more states, as vaccinations have already been underway in Ohio and Kentucky.At the same time, a man from Hamilton is pushing state lawmakers to allow family members to be essential caregivers in those facilities.He said it has been an emotional journey he never expected, but one he said many families are faced with right now."It was a year this past Christmas that my mother, you know, was able to, to be in my home," Scott Reynolds said.It was a tough holiday after an emotional year for Reynolds.He saw his mother, Francene, 75, through the glass at Berkeley Square in Hamilton.Reynolds said isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions caused his mother to deteriorate in the dementia wing, and that has limited her speech and what she will eat.He said she recently beat COVID-19, but it has had a lasting impact and hospice care is now by her side.Reynolds spoke directly to lawmakers in Columbus this month about allowing essential caregivers, such as family members, in long-term care facilities."Have you ever had to stand outside watching your mother cry for you and see a total stranger try to hug and console your mother? It was heart-wrenching. This is why House Bill 770 is so important," Reynolds said during a speech at the statehouse.Reynolds has been granted a few compassionate care visits to see his mother in declining health.He said she will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine CVS Health is administering in nursing homes.As those health care workers try to protect residents, Reynolds continues to push for more support."It's probably not going to help my situation but I just, you know, I have to look ahead where it could help somebody else's mother," he said.Reynolds said he will not be finished if House Bill 770 passes.He said he wants to take on reforming the laws when it comes to elderly care to make those laws better, safer and to make sure everyone is more prepared in case of another pandemic.
Efforts to protect and care for the most vulnerable during the pandemic expand Monday.
CVS Health will start COVID-19 vaccination efforts at long-term care facilities in 36 more states, as vaccinations have already been underway in Ohio and Kentucky.
At the same time, a man from Hamilton is pushing state lawmakers to allow family members to be essential caregivers in those facilities.
He said it has been an emotional journey he never expected, but one he said many families are faced with right now.
"It was a year this past Christmas that my mother, you know, was able to, to be in my home," Scott Reynolds said.
It was a tough holiday after an emotional year for Reynolds.
He saw his mother, Francene, 75, through the glass at Berkeley Square in Hamilton.
Reynolds said isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions caused his mother to deteriorate in the dementia wing, and that has limited her speech and what she will eat.
He said she recently beat COVID-19, but it has had a lasting impact and hospice care is now by her side.
Reynolds spoke directly to lawmakers in Columbus this month about allowing essential caregivers, such as family members, in long-term care facilities.
"Have you ever had to stand outside watching your mother cry for you and see a total stranger try to hug and console your mother? It was heart-wrenching. This is why House Bill 770 is so important," Reynolds said during a speech at the statehouse.
Reynolds has been granted a few compassionate care visits to see his mother in declining health.
He said she will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine CVS Health is administering in nursing homes.
As those health care workers try to protect residents, Reynolds continues to push for more support.
"It's probably not going to help my situation but I just, you know, I have to look ahead where it could help somebody else's mother," he said.
Reynolds said he will not be finished if House Bill 770 passes.
He said he wants to take on reforming the laws when it comes to elderly care to make those laws better, safer and to make sure everyone is more prepared in case of another pandemic.
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