The issue of reopening family visitation for residents of nursing homes and adult care facilities (ACFs) in New York State has been a focus of conversations with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Executive for several weeks. Seniors residing in Nursing Homes and ACFs have been kept from seeing their families for more than three months.

This has been a challenging for residents and families alike. While we understand the delicacy of the matter as we always seek to ensure resident health and safety, we believe that it is time that thoughtful decisions be made regarding family visitation in these settings.

We are joining with our trade association, LeadingAge New York, in providing resident families with a means to advocate for a thoughtful approach to reopening visitation. 

Families can call the Governor’s office and/or send an email urging them to allow visitation to begin, with safety measures in place. Below are some talking points that can be used:

  • "I want to urge the Governor to permit visitation in nursing homes and adult care facilities, like you have in group homes for people with disabilities."
  • "I haven’t been able to visit my loved on who lives in a nursing home/adult care or assisted living facility since March."
  • "Safety guidelines can be implemented to ensure the health and safety for my loved one, myself and the rest of the residents and staff in the nursing home/adult care facility. The summer months can allow for outdoor visitation which, for a variety of reasons, pose opportunities to visit with reduced risk."

The Governor’s office phone number is 1-518-474-8390 and emails can be sent using this online form.