Nursing homes allow more visiting with caution as COVID cases slow

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Nursing homes are opening up more, as COVID cases there have dwindled to almost nothing in Oklahoma. At the Franciscan Villa, they recently opened up more to allow residents to visit together and eat together. Those that are vaccinated, may also leave the property with their families.

“Oh my it makes you feel like a different person I even got to go out and eat with my grandkids,” said Verdia Bruner, who got to have lunch with her family.

Nurses who have worked in the nursing home and in the COVID treatment center, like Emily Brown feel relief.

“Just in general, getting our numbers this low has been amazing because we have been running at capacity through this entire ordeal now to see it slack off, which shows we are making progress,” said Emily Brown a nurse at Franciscan Villa.

Chief Operating Officer, Kimberly Green says they may have to keep the COVID unit open longer, even though patients there have lowered from up to 30 at the peak, to now about six.

“We did get calls from hospitals today asking us to remain open because some of their cases are increasing. So we have to monitor that and take a look at where we are at,” explained Green.

Right now, they're enjoying new freedom for the residents after a year of social distancing and they are providing the staff with counseling, for those who need it.