What to Look for and Questions to Ask as You Resume Visits in a Long-Term Care Facility

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted residents of long-term care facilities and their families. In March, the federal government and most state governments ordered long-term care facilities – nursing homes and assisted living facilities – to ban all but essential healthcare workers from entering the facility. That has meant no access to family members, friends, the long-term care Ombudsman, or anyone else. Limited in-person visits are beginning in most states, marking the first time many residents and families have seen each other in more than 6 months. As you look to understand what the impact of this lock down has meant for your loved one, listen in for suggestions of what to look for, questions to ask, and what you can do if you have concerns about your loved one’s condition.