COVID concerns: Working in healthcare & self-isolation rules

My son does have some separate space – he spends most of his time in his basement room when he is home. There is a separate bathroom he can use, but we share the kitchen. He also needs to be able to wash his uniform and come and go through shared space. My son thinks we can manage to live together safely, but my husband says he doesn’t clean up after himself as he should… that he will forget and the consequences are too high to risk it.

If your son works in health care and had COVID 19, I am not sure why he would even ask such a thing from you. I agree with your husband. Safer in separation. Your doctor would/should agree with the recommendation to live at separate residences while he recovers completely- no cough, no symptoms! and if he were to move back in, a place for him to change and disinfect his cellphone/ personal items and shoes prior to entering the home.

@espoir.. I think your husband is correct in saying that for now your son should stay in a hotel. Just consider this, if he is not your son but a tenant, would you have let him stay? I know you want to be supportive, maybe you can help with the hotel a little? Hotels are mostly empty these days and if he tells them he's in health care, maybe they would give him a discount. Lots of businesses do that to show their appreciation. Take care. Let us know what your decision is.

@espoir I agree with all these post don't risk your health have your son go to a hotel maybe you can help out with the bill if hotel doesn't give him a break .My friend was in this same position for she has a comprised condition hope you make the right decision for yourself and husband's

This is a really tough decision. @espoir . I have to agree that there are temporary living options available when we really think out of the box. Since your son is in health care, perhaps he can ask his employer for suggestions. Health care employees are at a premium at the moment. If he works in a facility where there is an extra room he can stay in, that could be one idea. If his employer understands he lives with a high risk person, that employer could offer to pay for lodging elsewhere. Since I live with a high risk, completely isolated husband, I have had to force myself to be assertive with my employer in terms of my needs while working. It can be worked out.

Good morning! My name is Nadine. I am a 30 year old female. I am an EMT and I work for for Norwalk Hospital. We are Fairfield County in Connecticut which if you have w see tv then you know has the most cases im Connecticut. I myself personally have autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction and even more troubling I have crohns and I get infusions that I started this year. I also take the steriod budesonide. Of course I don't want to get sick and am scared every time I go to work. Its all COViD 19 patients and I'm in their houses treating them and then taking them to the hospital. We have protection equipment. However we're hospital based so we touch all the same the nurses and doctors do. I've talked to them alike and all agree life goes on. Some hate their families look at them and treat them different and I get it. I'm at home with my mother who has a fib and mitral valve prolapse. She doesn't treat me any different which means the world. The stress of what we see of what the world is that most of you see only through a TV is stressful enough and to come home and not have to be treated like your a disease but a person. My patients to me are a person not a disease. With all that in mind the it is whatever will make you comfortable. I share the same washer. My clothes go right in after work and I'm straight into the shower. I have wipes in multiple rooms so I can wipe everything down. You can make him meals if your that worried and leave them for him. Your not wrong whatever you choose just want to make sure you see it from all point of views. Best of luck!!! Hope this helps.

Thank you all for your input and understanding. It really helps to have this forum to discuss decisions like this.

@Nadine, First are my heartfelt thanks to you and all the EMTs across our nation who are risking your lives Daily to treat and transport COVID-19 patients to the hospital. Your bravery and intervention means that more of us may live beyond this horrendous time in our history.

That you also have diagnosed, serious chronic health conditions, like many others in your profession, while continuing to serve the public, defies my ability to adequately express in any measure the depth of the admiration and gratitude I and millions of Americans, hold you in for your courage in daily exposing yourself to this deadly foe.

To return home after enduring the stress and fear you face each day to family who, in some cases, are not understanding or respectful of what you do puts us all to shame. Thank Goodness, your mother continues to be loving and supportive of who you are and what you are doing!

@nadine89 Thank you Nadine for what you are doing during this pandemic . As a retired nurse myself I understand why you do this . Im 78 now so cant and wouldn't be able to help any where I live . Bless you God will keep you safe . Sounds like you are doing your best where you live . You and all the nurses are in my prayers as other s also pray for this to be over and you all are safe .

Thank you all for your support it really means so much more then you know. Its keeps us going when it gets to be to much. We couldn't do our part without the help and support and you all doing your part. To all stay healthy! Very many thanks!
Nadine