For First Time Since Start Of Pandemic, Senior Living Residents Can Hug Loved Ones

CBS Denver

March 10, 2021

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)– For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic seniors who live in group communities, like assisted living, will be able to physically embrace their loved ones. The CDC and CMS approved fully-vaccinated seniors in group housing to hug their loved ones, according to a new set of guidelines released Wednesday afternoon.

“Today is day 363 since our residents have been closed,” said Yvonne Myers, Health System Director for Columbine Health Systems, one of Northern Colorado’s biggest senior care living providers. “We are super excited today. To think about hugging your loved one is huge.”

Seniors have been the most susceptible to contracting COVID-19, with a greater likelihood that they could die from the pandemic. Because of that the federal and state governments have been stringent on family and friend interactions. While recent guidelines allowed the seniors to talk with loved ones through windows, or from six feet away, Wednesday’s announcement was the first time providers were told they could let their residents physically touch their loved ones.

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