Health-care workers from Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation broke into applause as the skilled nursing facility released its first fully recovered COVID-19 patient.
James Tully, age 83, was admitted to Parker on Feb. 21, 2020 from Flushing Medical Center when he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
After Tully beat coronavirus, doctors, nursing staff, therapists and security personnel gathered around Parker’s protective entranceway to wish him good health as he headed home. All were fully masked.
“Parker gave me the care I needed,” Tully said from his Bayside home on Thursday, just six days after his release.
Tully spent four days in the Covid-19 Unit as he recovered. And on April 17, the medical staff at Parker said he was well enough to return home.
“Parker’s dedicated employees have worked tirelessly to treat patients during the pandemic,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO. “Their dedication, especially in such trying circumstances, will never be forgotten.”
Adhering to the strictest and most up-to-date guidelines put forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other regulatory services, Parker’s dedicated team of health-care workers continues to tend to this most vulnerable population in the face of an unrelenting pandemic.
In addition, Parker is in constant contact with families so that they are kept informed and can communicate with their loved ones.
Tully, who was asymptomatic throughout his illness, said his best advice was to follow the protocols put forth by medical experts.
And while Parker’s six physical therapy gyms were closed to protect against the spread of the virus, Mr. Tully rebuilt his strength and endurance with the guidance of occupational and speech therapists, who conducted sessions in his room.
“The assistance I got from Parker was great because it kept me in-tune with what was going on,” he said.
Although Parker could not allow family visitation, per state and federal pandemic guidelines Tully was able to visit virtually and by phone with his wife, sister, daughter and son-in-law.
“They arranged for conversations by FaceTime,” Tully said. “It was very enjoyable.”
