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Nursing homes open for outdoor visits

Posted at 4:50 PM, Sep 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-14 16:52:54-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A visit with a loved one in a long-term care facility will soon be possible, after changes to the Governor's Executive Order.

Changes allowing outdoor visits go into effect tomorrow.

It's been a rough six months for those living in nursing homes. Their only visits, if any at all, happened through a glass window.

While those served their purpose, families are now allowed to see their loved ones in-person.

"X" marks the spot for how far apart families must remain for an in-person visit at Vista Springs Nursing Home.

“We’ve learned a lot. At that time things were changing every day. Things have stabilized a bit in the Grand Rapids area,” said Lou Andriotti, CEO of Vista Springs.

That stabilization goes for all nursing homes across the state, as case numbers are going down in long-term-care facilities. That's why Governor Whitmer is allowing outdoor visits.

“We have outdoor areas where people can visit,” Marketing Executive for Vista Springs, Susan Alveshere said.

Outdoor visits may not seem like a big deal, but when it's been six months apart from your family, with the closest thing to a visit being through a window...and that's if you're lucky....this news is everything.

“Every single person who is a senior needs to have that love and that support from their family members,” Alveshere said.