It’s hard to see much of anything on the third floor of the Treemont Living Community in SW Houston. As you walk by, temporary lights lead your path. Deirdre McClain invited KPRC 2 to her unit to feel what residents have experienced since Hurricane Beryl knocked out power.

Nursing home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 can get hugs again from their loved ones, and indoor visits may be allowed for all residents, the government said Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in a step toward pre-pandemic normalcy. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)(AP) – Nursing home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 can get hugs again from their loved ones, and all residents may enjoy more indoor visits, the government said Wednesday in a step toward pre-pandemic normalcy. People living in long-term care facilities have borne a cruel toll from the pandemic. Government officials acknowledged that isolation deepened the misery for residents as long-term care facilities remained locked down much of last year. AdUnder the new guidance, homes in counties with high rates of COVID-19 can still have indoor visits, provided they take precautions.

MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Nearly 20 people died from COVID-19 at a nursing home in Missouri City. Fort Bend County reported there were 38 cases at Paradigm at First Colony nursing home, 19 deaths and 24 employees infected. Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford said she’s received “countless” calls regarding the care at the nursing home on Lexington Blvd. She sent a letter to the Texas Health and Human Services requesting notice of COVID-19 cases in Missouri City and procedures on how to address outbreaks. Missouri City does not have authority over the nursing home.

HOUSTON – Nursing homes account for nearly half of all COVID-related deaths in the U.S. No families or friends of any kind can be by their side. Abbott also required all residents and staff have access to COVID-19 testing. Despite it all, the Texas reopening guidelines state people are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities. “Write a postcard, write a note, it will come to them in the mail,” Dr. Dyer recommended.

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: Can people visit loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes yet? The answer: COVID-19 remains a concern for both Houston-area hospitals and nursing homes. Hospitals in the Houston-area such as Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist and HCA Houston Healthcare have begun to slightly relax visitor restrictions by allowing one designated visitor over the age of 18 per patient. Nursing homes can begin to ease visitor restrictions as long as they abide by guidelines highlighted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):No new COVID-19 cases for 28 daysNo staff shortagesEnsure PPE and cleaning supplies in the buildingMust have adequate access to COVID-19 testingEach nursing home may have different visitor restrictions, call your loved one’s nursing home facility for more information.

(CNN) – Nursing homes have no claim to their residents' stimulus checks. The Federal Trade Commission reported that that nursing homes in several states are requesting residents sign over their stimulus checks. Here's why: The stimulus checks are considered tax credits per the CARES Act, which is providing economic relief to people and businesses. And if you're not sure whether you're being swindled, the FTC has a resource to identify common coronavirus scams. Some links may contain malware that can steal the user’s private information so scammers could claim their checks.

PEARLAND, Texas – A senior living facility in Brazoria County has seen its number of confirmed cases of staff and residents infected with the coronavirus spike in recent weeks to 76, county officials confirmed Tuesday. “Of course, we would like for there to be zero cases in the facility, but for the most part our residents and staff are asymptomatic,” Morel continued. Numbers released by the office of Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta confirmed Tuesday that there were 76 COVID-19 cases at Windsong — 59 residents and 17 staff members. Morel, who owns the senior living facility with her husband, also contracted COVID-19. County officials said containing the virus at senior living favorites is a top priority.

HOUSTON – Starting Monday, nursing homes will be required to report COVID-19 cases within their facilities to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. READ: 2 grandmothers who lived at a southwest Houston nursing home die hours apartA third family has now contacted us. Ramin Milani claims his father, Karim Milani, 80, was taken to a local hospital on Saturday and has tested positive for COVID-19. “They don’t even let us see him, so how did the virus get inside?” Ramin Milani, said. “We don’t know if they’re wearing masks or wearing gloves in there,” Margie Jolivet said.

TEXAS CITY – Officials have confirmed eight coronavirus cases at a skilled nursing facility in Texas City. “Out of the six employees that tested positive, there was one nurse that was working at multiple facilities,” Griffin said. A few miles away, another nursing facility, Bayou Pines Care Center, also reported coronavirus activity. Griffin was unable to confirm whether the two nursing facilities shared the same nurse that tested positive. “We’re the only skilled nursing facility in Harris County or Galveston County that has done this,” he said.

TEXAS CITY, Texas – Two people were shot and killed Sunday at an adult skilled nursing home facility in Texas City in what police describe as a murder-suicide. The shooting was reported at about 2:45 p.m. at the Rio at Mainland Center in the 1000 block of Mainland Center Drive, police said. The shooting occurred in one of the rooms in the facility. Texas City police said Monday they believe 90-year-old Donald Kaldenberg entered the room of his wife, 79-year-old Grace Kaldenberg, and fatally shot her before turning the gun on himself. No other residents or staff were injured.

HOUSTON – There are approximately 1,200 nursing homes in Texas, so you would think finding a facility for your loved one wouldn’t be that hard. But a recent study put Texas on the list of the top 10 states with the worst nursing homes. Channel 2 Investigates poured through hundreds of records to find Houston area nursing homes with the worst violations. Worst Nursing Homes in HoustonWe used Medicare inspection data to rank Houston area nursing homes with the most serious violations. Misty Willow response :Thank you for your inquiry regarding the survey history at Misty Willow.

Choosing a nursing home is a challenging decision to make for you and your loved one. You need to know what your family can actually affordTo consider: Before choosing a nursing home it is important to determine what your family can afford. Advice: “For a nursing home, you have to have a medical need, because nursing homes are the only arrangements that are actually required to have a certified nurse on staff” Fredriksen said. Visit the facility and make sure you are talking to the staffA tip: Part of the process of choosing a nursing home should include visits to the facility. This is who to visit with: Brown said you need to meet with the facility’s director of nursing and the certified nursing assistants.