An aged care resident has expressed feeling claustrophobic after being confined to her room during a recent Covid outbreak, describing the experience as “horrible.”
The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has spent the past week in isolation due to the outbreak, which has seen several cases reported within the facility located in Victoria’s Surf Coast region.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the facility had recorded 14 active Covid cases as of last week.
“This is the second time infected residents have had to go into lockdown since I’ve been here,” the resident explained. “I’m claustrophobic, so this is my worst nightmare to be perfectly honest.”
She explained that the only fresh air she had been able to access was through her window, as she was not allowed to go outside or even keep her door open or ajar. “I’m not allowed to go outside or even keep the door open or slightly ajar,” she said.
The Department of Health and Aged Care guidelines state that, where practical, residents infected with the same respiratory pathogen should be cohorted together to allow for social interaction.
However, the resident claimed that, apart from interactions with staff who dropped off medicine and essentials, she had been unable to see anyone for seven days.
“I’ve wondered why (staff) can’t wear PPE and masks and take us out to get some air,” she said.
While the facility has not commented on the matter, the incident highlights ongoing concerns over the mental and emotional toll of isolation in aged care settings, especially for those already vulnerable to conditions like claustrophobia.
The resident’s comments bring attention to the delicate balance between infection control and ensuring the emotional well-being of residents during such outbreaks.
