(Washington, DC, Wednesday, April 29, 2020) – More than 1.3 million Americans live in nursing facilities and rely on them for crucial health and personal care.

Residents of these facilities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to their advanced age and underlying health conditions, and these facilities have become ground zero in the fight against the coronavirus. In some states, as many as half of all deaths form COVID-19 occurred in nursing homes.

AARP will share the six questions families should be asking at nursing facilities right now and statewide statistics on nursing home residents and facilities.

Because most in-person visits are not permitted, and because some facilities are not prioritizing virtual visitations, many families are left in the dark or are denied important information about the health of their loved ones. In fact, many states have not been releasing the names of facilities with confirmed coronavirus cases, outbreaks or deaths.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social mission organization that helps people ages 50 and over live their best possible lives. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. It has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.