Family members with loved ones in nursing homes can't wait to reconnect after news the state is easing restrictions on nursing home visits.
Effective immediately, nursing homes across the state can allow outdoor visitation with social distancing. Indoor visitation will be allowed under two conditions: first, if the facility hasn't had any new COVID-19 cases in two weeks, and second, if the facility is located in a parish with a percent positive rate of 10 percent or less.
For some families, it's news they've been waiting months to hear.
This is what weekly visits for Brant Trahan and his grandmother have been like since March, when the pandemic began.
"I can only imagine how it is for her. She's in there, she can't come out. She's only able to see people through that glass since everything started," said Brant. "We haven't gotten her out."
Under the governor's guidelines, family members can be with their loved ones for outside visitation while maintaining social distance.
For Shelia Suir, visiting her dad is a similar experience.
"It's been since June since he got here, and we haven't actually been in the same room since then other than the window, the door," Suir said. "His grandkids come very often but it's hard, and I know it's harder on him than it is on us."
Being in the medical profession, Suir understands the strict guidelines, but she's looking forward to reconnecting face-to-face.
"We have to take care of each other, so this is the way we have to do it right now. We are going to get through it hopefully soon."
Eastridge Nursing Home in Abbeville qualifies to allow indoor visits, but they plan to start with outdoor visitation only for the time being.
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