In nursing homes across Louisiana elderly patients are suffering from a sickness that is equally, if not far more, detrimental than COVID-19. These patients have been separated from their families for almost 6 months and as a result are suffering greatly from heartache and depression. Please read the following statement and join us in petitioning the State of Louisiana; specifically the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and our governor, John Bell Edwards. 

On March 16, 2020, the LDH issued a mandate directing every Assisted Nursing Facility in Louisiana to restrict all visitors and non-essential healthcare personnel. Since this date thousands of elderly have been unable to have any face-to-face contact with their family or friends. As the family of a patient who is currently living in a nursing home, we can attest that the isolation from family has been far more detrimental to our loved one’s health than COVID-19. 

In our family member’s nursing facility, alone, there have been 68 residents and 18 employees test positive for COVID-19. These numbers indicate that the visitation restrictions issued by the state are not working effectively, and should be lifted so as to allow these patients to spend what precious time they have left with their families. If a patient contracts COVID-19, they do have a chance of surviving. However, if we continue to keep these elderly separated from those that they love, they will die. They will lose the desire to live. For some, their family is the only reason to live. 

What is worse: Dying of COVID-19 or dying of a broken heart?

Please consider signing this petition as well as contacting your local representative to address this issue. Use your voice and speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves.