AARP Illinois Commends Gov. Pritzker for Allowing Outdoor Visitation at Nursing Homes

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Springfield, Ill. - AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo issued the following statement today in response to the release of outdoor visitation guidance by the Illinois Department of Public Health for long-term care (LTC) facilities.
“On behalf of our 1.7 million members and older adults across the state and their families, AARP commends Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health for providing guidance on outdoor visitation at long-term care facilities. By providing a safe means for connection, outdoor visitation is a good first step in addressing social isolation in nursing homes among residents, loved ones and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Nursing home residents have been hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Chicago Tribune reporting that COVID-19 cases from long-term care facilities account for nearly 55% of all deaths in the state.

AARP has long fought for the rights of residents in nursing homes and other residential care facilities and to ensure their health, safety, quality of care, and quality of life. While AARP Illinois commends guidance on outdoor visitation, more needs to be done. We encourage the state to create a long-term plan to address social isolation, infection control policies and rescinding the civil immunity provisions for nursing homes.

It is imperative that we prioritize our nursing home residents now more than ever to ensure they can continue to live their lives with the dignity and care they deserve.