After the Biden administration announced a set of nursing home reforms people were both pleased and puzzled. The reforms called for stronger regulatory oversight, minimum staffing requirements, and adequate public info about nursing home quality. Unfortunately, the reform didn’t address the residents’ rights to have contact with informal caregivers such as family members and friends who provide emotional support and assistance.
The lack of info regarding informal caregivers gave rise to concern, as during the pandemic, elderly homes were quarantined and caregivers were unable to visit loved ones. This lead to high rates of isolation, depression, and anxiety among seniors.