The pandemic has undoubtedly affected residents of nursing homes. For more than a year now, residents have had very limited visitation which has led to loneliness, depression and cognitive decline. Residents and their families or loved ones have asked for relaxed restrictions for some time now.
Recently, Gov. Mike DeWine signed new public health orders removing the visitation restrictions at all long-term care and nursing facilities in Ohio. The orders apply to all assisted living facilities, nursing homes and congregate care settings.
The goal of the removal of the restrictions is to encourage nursing homes to allow as much visitation as possible. Appointments for visitations are no longer required and there are no limits on the number of visitors per resident. This will allow residents to have family, friends and loved ones visit together.
Gov. DeWine made clear the facilities will need to follow CDC guidance moving forward and conduct biweekly COVID-19 testing for nursing facility employees.
This critical change is an important step forward in allowing facility residents to have family, friends and loved ones visit while maintaining some safety measures to protect the residents. Hopefully, this helps alleviate some of the side effects this pandemic has had on our vulnerable population of nursing home and long-term care facility residents. The benefits of social interaction and seeing family, friends and loved ones is critically important for our aging population.
If you or your loved ones need assistance with long-term care planning, reviewing a nursing home admissions agreement or have any other planning questions, contact Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney Erika Apelis at efa@kjk.com or 216.978.5353.