'Pure joy' as Manitoba adults with intellectual disabilities allowed to have loved ones over for visits

It's been a tough three months of pandemic isolation foradults with intellectual disabilities who livein Manitobagroup homes andhaven't been able to visit with their families.

But ruleshave now been relaxed andmany are finally able to restore that sense of connection.

Since June 15, adults living in such homes can now have one visitor indoors and can also visit family in their homes, said aspokesperson with Manitoba's Department of Families.

Outdoor visits have been permitted in some cases since May 6, but now up to two visitors may attend at the same time.

Some have already taken advantage and are having family inside for a visit for the first time in months, says the CEO of Direct Action in Support of Community Homes Inc.

"Pure joy and happiness and the best news we've been able to deliver in a long long time," said DASCH's Karen Fonseth.

DASCHrunsgroup day programming and provides care and housing for adults with intellectual disabilities at 59 locations in Winnipeg, among other services.

'It's been tough'

Fonseth said when the pandemic closures took effect in March, the interruptions to daily routines proved challenging to many clients.

Many dependon a reliable schedule for a sense of regularity, she said, andsome clients didn't fully comprehend why they were no longer able to see their friends at day programming events or have family over.

"It's been a tough number of months for all the individuals, all the families, staff," said Fonseth.

"We've done our best to keep everyone busy and happy, but ...it's challenging for any of us let alone for individuals who mightnot really understand."

Group homes will still have to work out the logistics of the visits, but they'relikely to have a positive impact quickly.

"Being able to receive visitors again after three or four months is going to be wonderful for those who are in group homes that are not living with their families or friends," said Rosalie Best, accessibility services co-ordinator for the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities.

"I do think that these programs are going to work really hard to get that into place for their tenants, because it's been such a long time. They're going to have to figure out the social distancing."

Still encouraging outdoor visits

Fonsethsaid DASCH is still encouraging families to meet with their loved ones outside. So is the province'sCommunity Living disAbility Services program.

Its visiting guidelines also state no one who hasCOVID-19, or is currently being tested, is allowed to visit the group homes.

The same goes for anyone with symptoms of any kind, anyone who has travelled outside Manitoba in the past two weeks, or someone told to self-isolatedue to a possible exposure to a positive case.

Those who run group homes have been told to seek medical advice before arranging in-person visits with residents who may be at higher risk.

Day programs restart in July

Another change on the horizon that many are looking forward to is the resumption of group day programming services.

Those will begin operating again gradually starting next month, said a provincial spokesperson.

In the past, Best said many Manitobans with disabilities felt forgotten during the pandemic. Restoring day programs may help change that.

"It's going to be incredibly positive for people who finally get to see their friends again and get to resume programs helping them to live independently, but also helping them to develop as people," she said.

WATCH |Indoor visits now allowed at group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities:

Indoor visits now allowed at group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities

4 years ago

Duration 1:38

Since June 15, adults with intellectual disabilities may have one visitor over for an indoors visit.