A new house bill will help senior citizens that have been isolated from their families during COVID. Illinois lawmakers and advocacy group leaders urged the passage of a bill that requires virtual visitation options at long-term care facilities. Senate Bill 2137 is sponsored by Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins and Senator Donald P. DeWitte, along with Representative Anna Moeller and many others including AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.

Lori Hendren, AARP Illinois Associate State Director says that this has hurt the most vulnerable population the most and we need to do more for our Senior Citizens.

SB 2137 would allow nursing home residents to connect virtually with family members loved ones and allow religious activities when in-person visits are prohibited or restricted. Senator Jacqueline Collins says that nursing home residents have suffered much and have lived in fear for too long.

Senator Dewitte says that this is a big step in the right direction.

Kelly Richards, State Long Term Care Ombudsman for Illinois says that it’s urgent that this gets pushed through due to the isolation and loneliness on a resident’s quality of life.

The bill would allow for equipment to be funded through state and federal resources, facilities would be permitted to train volunteers and staff and penalties for nursing homes would not go into effect until 2023.