D.C. State Ombudsman, Mark Miller, Spoke About the Ill Effects of Social Isolation and the Unnecessary Delay for Opening Visitation in Nursing Homes

May 14, 2021

D.C. State Ombudsman, Mark Miller, spoke about the ill effects of social isolation and about the unnecessary delay for opening up visitation at DC nursing homes, in this Washington City Paper article entitled: DC Health Finally Lifts Restrictions on Long Term Care Facilities. They Could Have Done That Weeks Ago. His office has heard multiple complaints from families about restricted visitation after being vaccinated. He is concerned about the toll isolation takes on residents of long-term care facilities. “Isolation kills. People just give up. They feel like prisoners because they can’t leave,” he says. He proclaims families have suffered long enough and it’s time to loosen the restrictions.