ESAAL Advocates for Assisted Living Outdoor Visitation

As New York State begins to re-open, the Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) is advocating for assisted living and adult care facility residents to be allowed to receive outdoor visits from family members and friends. ESAAL is also working closely with the NYS Department of Health as the state agency establishes processes and protocols that must be in place once the visits are allowed.

Understandably, state officials are proceeding cautiously because assisted living residents are elderly, many with underlying health conditions, and their health and safety is paramount. ESAAL and its members have offered best practices to the Department of Health including all parties wearing facemasks, requiring social distancing at all times, requiring scheduled appointments, limiting the number of visitors at a time, and ensuring adequate staff supervision to ensure rules are being followed.

“As a daughter whose mother is 89 years old, my heart goes out to all of the residents and families who have not been able to see and talk with each other in person. Most families have been very patient because they share the common goal of keeping their loved ones healthy,” states ESAAL Executive Director Lisa Newcomb. “However, there are ways to conduct the visits safely. Our members are committed to strict compliance with the rules because, in addition to their concern for their residents’ physical health, they care very much about their residents’ mental and emotional well-being. This terrible crisis is starting to take its toll on them, and everyone is looking forward to being reunited with their families.”

ESAAL and its members thank the Department of Health for its commitment to establishing guidelines for visits to begin and stands ready to assist however needed.