En Español | WASHINGTON—AARP released the following statement from Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, in response to March 10 guidance from CMS that expands safe visitation in nursing homes:

“AARP thanks the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for providing updated guidance that allows easier in-person visitation at nursing homes while continuing to emphasize infection prevention and control practices for facilities, visitors and others. This is very positive news for residents of nursing homes and their families.

“In the year since the pandemic began, we have heard heartbreaking stories about the challenges families have had trying to see their relatives and the many important moments they missed. As we enter a new phase of this pandemic with the ongoing rollout of vaccines and growing knowledge about public health needs – including the safety, mental health, and social well-being of nursing home residents -- it is vital that these vulnerable seniors are able to safely visit with their loved ones. Residents must be able to exercise their rights to visitation, and facilities should be held accountable for ensuring such visits occur.

“AARP will continue fighting to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities during this global health crisis and into the future.”

AARP called on CMS to review its earlier guidance in a February 23 letter to the agency.

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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, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.