LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two women who’ve watched their mothers mentally ache in assisted living homes during the COVID-19 crisis are relieved to know they can soon visit them again.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced long-term care facilities can resume in-person visits starting July 1.
But for three months, families have had little or no contact at all with their loved ones, including Vicky Bradley.
"I went and visited her through a window, I took a picture and said, 'mom, why are you doing your hands like that on your eyes?'” said Bradley. “She said, 'that's me crying because I'm sad and can't get out.'"
March 14 is the last time Vickey Bradley has seen her mother Maria's face with phone-calls and video chats in between.
"You wake up in the middle of the night and think, when is this going to be over,” said Bradley.
With tight restrictions on assisted living facilities, Bradley’s mother has spent most of the last three months alone in her room.
“They were eating by themselves, breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Bradley.
“The staff has been great. It’s not their fault. It’s COVID’s fault.
She’s had to cancel doctor’s appointments for her mom because she hasn’t been able to leave her living facility.
Bradley has noticed her mother’s mental status has taken a drastic dive since.
“It’s awful,” said Bradley. “It’s awful.”
Stacy Price is another woman eager to see her mother staying at an assisted living facility.
Price said her mother's depression has worsened since COVID-19 hit Arkansas, causing her mom to consistently push her call light by her bedside
"She puts the call light on because she is so lonely, she does that just to have someone in there with her,” said Price.
Relief is coming for these two families come July 1.
Both women say they'll do whatever they need to do just to see and hug their mothers again.
"I’ll wear a mask, use hand sanitizer when you enter into the building, washing our hands,” said Price.
"I'm going to call her today, let her know how many days until we get to see her. She's going to be very excited,” said Bradley. “This is awesome news.”