Amid tears and laughter, visits resume in nursing homes

She wore a mask and sat across nursing home patio from her elderly mor, but Marcie Abramson's emotions were on full display as two connected in person for first time in nearly three months.

Like many states, Massachusetts in mid-March limited visits to nursing homes and or long-term care facilities to protect those most vulnerable to coronavirus, which has exacted a heavy toll among older Americans. More than 60% of state’s nearly 7,500 COVID-19 deaths have involved nursing home residents.

Nationally, over 35,500 people have died from coronavirus outbreaks at nursing homes and long-term care facilities, about a third of national toll, according to a running tally by Associated Press.

But in Massachusetts, in-person visits resumed Wednesday with masks, social distancing — and plenty of tears and laughter.

“You wanna give me a kiss?" Abramson called out to her 89-year-old mor, Cynthia Abramson, at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston in pair's first encounter since pandemic began.

Kisses were strictly off-limits, so pair exchanged an “air hug.”

“Oh, Ma! I love you so much! I really, really missed you,” daughter gushed, choking back tears. ” day finally came. day is here. I get to visit you."

Under strict Massachusetts guidelines aimed at avoiding a spike in coronavirus cases, visits must be scheduled and take place in designated outdoor areas, with exception of end-of-life situations.

Nursing home residents are allowed only two visitors at a time, and everyone must wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart. Residents with confirmed or possible cases of disease cant have visitors, although those who have recovered can.

Abramson and her husband, Jeffrey Hunt, h ir temperature taken and were screened for symptoms — ditional steps that all visitors must take. Facilities also are taking care to disinfect chairs and or objects that visitors have used or touched.

“I have to say that I was nervous to see my mom today," she said. “I was really, really nervous. I didn’t sleep because she h been thinking that today may never come, that one would ever be able to visit again and that’s where she would end up. ... emotional and mental toll on people has been extremely difficult.”

Hunt said his mor-in-law developed some major health challenges just as pandemic began.

“So her ability to just process information and understand what’s happening to her, what’s going on around her, was significantly compromised. And that just me whole quarantine situation exponentially more difficult for her," he said.