by Harry Croton
SPRINGFIELD (WEEK) --- Friday, more than 20 members of the group Caregivers for Compromise took to the state capital to push for easier access to visit loved ones in care facilities.
Two key federal agencies, including the CDC, released guidance this week that loosens restrictions for visits. But many still aren't satisfied.
"(Facilities) are going to say they aren't ready until IDPH tells them they can use that," Caregivers for Compromise spokesperson Carrie Leljedal said. "They also risk that if they put it in place today and IDPH walks in tomorrow, IDPH can technically tag them. Because (the department) hasn't signed off on it yet."
The CDC is allowing more intimate visits at long term care facilities. Vaccinated residents can meet even with people who haven't gotten a shot yet.
Ann Cheverton, Senior Vice President of resident services for Bickford Senior Living, says guidelines and safety precautions are still in place, but the new CDC information is a big step in the right direction.
"The new guidelines give us a little bit of a wiggle room to allow for that hug to occur," Cheverton said. "They can wear a mask but they can have some close contact for a short period of time. But again, trying to limit that exposure if possible."
Cheverton says the focus right now is on new COVID variants that could increase risk of illness in these facilities.
But she says a return to complete normalcy may be closer than some think.
"I think it's going to be towards the end of the year - maybe fall into early winter," Cheverton said. "The reason why maybe not a bit sooner, is just where the play is going with these variants."
For now, care facilities will continue to keep an eye on updates from local and federal health departments.
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