It has been over six months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and seniors living in nursing homes and adult care facilities (ACFs) are still living without basic social activities that enhance quality of life. Activities such as beautician services (hairdressing, barber, etc.) are still not permitted under current guidance from the Department of Health (DOH), and as a result, many seniors living in these settings are battling with depression, anxiety, and cognitive and physical decline.

With proper social distancing and infection control practices in place, a resident of a nursing home or ACF should be able to enjoy the simple pleasures that allow an individual to feel connected, fulfilled, and confident. Seemingly simple social activities such as getting one’s hair done are critical to the overall wellbeing of seniors, and it is time for the State’s policies to strike a more reasonable balance between quality of life and infection control.

LeadingAge NY understands why families of nursing home and ACF residents are concerned about the mental wellbeing of their loved ones. We have drafted the below letters for family members to use in their advocacy, urging lawmakers to allow beautician services in these settings to resume.

• Urge Lawmakers to Allow Beautician Services to Resume in Nursing Homes
• Urge Lawmakers to Allow Beautician Services to Resume in ACFs

Contact: Sarah Daly, sdaly@leadingageny.org