New Law Allowing Expanded Visitation in Nursing Homes a ‘Great Step’ for Residents’ Well-Being: AARP

New Law Will Authorize, Expand Critical Visits from Family Caregivers

ALBANY, N.Y.— AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement on the enactment of a new law (S614B-May/A1052-Bronson) requiring nursing homes to expand visitation:

“This is a great step forward for the health and well-being of nursing home residents now and in any future pandemics.

“Too many of the more than 13,000 New Yorkers who have died in nursing homes since the pandemic began over a year ago died alone after family and loved ones in many cases were prohibited from visiting.

“For many, isolation may well have sped their decline. Social isolation can be a killer; one study found the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“Family and loved ones not only prevent social isolation, they also provide crucial eyes and ears for the proper care of nursing home residents.

“Clarifying in law that personal and compassionate caregiving visits must be allowed honors the critical role family caregivers play in nursing home residents’ health and wellbeing.

“AARP thanks Senator May and Assemblymember Bronson for their leadership and advocacy in guiding this bill through the state legislature and Governor Cuomo for signing it into law.

“We continue urging the Governor and legislature to enact AARP New York’s comprehensive, Five-Point 2021 nursing home reform agenda.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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