Marcie Rendon

AARP Connecticut has called on policy makers to take action to ensure the 22,000 nursing home residents in Connecticut and their loved ones can safely stay in contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 20, 2020, AARP Connecticut sent a letter to the state’s Governor and Commissioner of Public Health strongly recommending modifications to a March 13, 2020, Public Health Order banning visitors to nursing homes, including residents’ immediate family and caregivers. For example, requiring nursing homes to offer and facilitate virtual video visitation, as well as other enhanced communications, will help prevent social isolation, reduce anxiety, and promote safety, among other benefits. In addition, AARP Connecticut provided testimony to the Human Services Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly strongly recommending allowing passive video monitoring in nursing homes. AARP Connecticut followed this with an email to every member of the Connecticut General Assembly on March 23, 2020, asking that any legislative action in response to COVID-19 codify these recommendations.