The recent Attorney General report showed how this crisis was already mishandled and a death toll linked to nursing homes was significantly higher than what was reported. However, I’m encouraged by today’s announcement that nursing home visitations will resume as nursing home residents still continue to experience physical and emotional pain due to continued isolation.

As vaccine distribution continues, this guidance from the Department of Health is also much-needed as it allows us to move forward with safe visitation solutions that address the damage that prolonged isolation has caused for nursing home residents and their families, including loneliness, a lack of motivation, neglected physical needs, and a general failure to thrive. Caregivers will once again be able to provide the physical and emotional support loved ones need to thrive.