Group Activities and Relaxed Visitation OK'd for Seniors in NY's Assisted-Living Communities

The Batavian reports that the New York State Department of Health has relaxed visitation and communal activities for senior residents of assisted-living communities. The new guidelines are based on U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance, and they permit visitation more widely and for residents to go on outings without having to quarantine for two weeks upon return. "The new guidance will allow more frequent and meaningful interactions between residents and their loved ones," said Empire State Association of Assisted Living Executive Director Lisa Newcomb. She cites certain modifications, including the elimination of the requirement to shut down visitation and other activities for 14 days for all residents if there is a new positive resident or staff case of COVID-19. Moreover, standards for group activities and communal dining have been eased. 'The vaccine is the game changer," Newcomb said. "The overwhelming majority of our residents are fully vaccinated."