Vaccination in nursing homes seems to bear fruit, contaminations are down sharply.

Encouraging signs that the directors of nursing homes and residents hope to be able to use in order to obtain a relaxation of the regulations which govern these establishments. 

Could we consider relaxing the regulations in nursing homes?

While vaccination has targeted these priority audiences, a significant drop in coronavirus contamination has been observed there.

A decline of 40%, far ahead of the general population figures, around 11%.

Certain directors of establishments therefore believe that it is necessary to start preparing for a gradual reopening.

A feeling obviously shared by many residents. 

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A request for flexibility

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"I think we can think of easing, especially since it is something that is being prepared," explains at the microphone of Europe 1 Yann Reboulleau, president of the Philogéris group.

"It is not something that we will trigger overnight," he said.

All this is obviously conditional on the vaccination of residents.

"If indeed the vaccine is effective, and it seems to be, the first reaction of the residents is to say: 'We were vaccinated, it is to be protected. Now we are'" explains he.

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"Some have not been vaccinated, but they clearly express that they are doing it with full knowledge of the facts. So their real demand is a reestablished emotional bond, which no longer works with schedule restrictions, of visits or with visiting spaces to receive these visits ", adds Yann Reboulleau.

This is also the meaning of the flexibilities desired by a group of nursing home residents.

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They claim, first, the right to receive their relatives in their room rather than in a separate room.

Then, the possibility of going to visit their family outside ... but also the return of group activities.

Finally, they want shared meals with less social distance at the table in restaurants in retirement homes.