Health & Wellbeing

In-person visits in jeopardy for many as holidays approach.

To ensure that families can reach their relatives when in-person visits aren’t possible during the coronavirus pandemic, AARP Minnesota is pressing state officials to require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to improve communication.

Whether you’re working full-time, part-time or as a volunteer, already retired or just beginning to think about it, you’re likely spending a lot more time at home thanks to the coronavirus. While not having to get showered and dressed to impress may be a positive, spending time at your computer can be tough on your body, especially if you don’t have a dedicated workspace.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released new visitation guidance for long-term care facilities to address social isolation. Residents in Minnesota’s long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. The new guidelines are consistent with new federal guidance in nursing homes, which eases the restrictions on in-person visitations for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

In March, AARP Minnesota conducted a survey to understand Minnesotan's top concerns when it comes to COVID-19 and the current pandemic. AARP Minnesota received 371 responses from e-activists who answered questions related to health, finances and community.

Authors: Ken Zaiken & Kate Schaefers, AARP MN Executive Council Members

View the latest information and articles from AARP Minnesota.

AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Minnesotans, and their families protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others.

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, AARP is providing information, advocacy, and resources to help. On April 17, AARP hosted a telephone town hall with Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Tina Smith to address listeners questions related to COVID-19.

AARP will host a live Coronavirus Information Tele-Town Hall every Thursday at 12 p.m. (CST). Experts at this week’s live Q&A event will address your questions related to protecting yourself and loved ones from the virus, staying healthy and reducing social isolation.