Lucia A. Silecchia, Associate Dean of Faculty Research, recently published an article in the Baylor Law Review. Her research, entitled “COVID-19, Visitation and Spiritual Care: Responding to the Silent Suffering of the Isolated in Times of Crisis,” explores the impact that isolation had on those living in institutional facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It addressed the ramifications of restrictions on both general visitation as well as denial of access to spiritual care. The article evaluates responses to address the issue and proposes a framework to prepare for future public health emergencies.

The article is available for download here.

Baylor Law Review
Vol. 74, No. 3
Date: May 22, 2023
“COVID-19, Visitation and Spiritual Care: Responding to the Silent Suffering of the Isolated in Times of Crisis”

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This paper will begin with a brief overview of the ways in which the freedom of those in congregate residential settings to have visitation was curtailed. While there were often good intentions behind these restrictions, and some safeguards were and may again become necessary, the paper will argue that, over time, these measures became excessive when balanced against the unintended harm that they caused. After reviewing this general landscape, the paper will focus on the harm these visitation restrictions meant for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those living in congregate residential settings. It will argue that access to companionship is critically important with respect to both: General visitation of family and friends; and Specific visitation for the purpose of spiritual care. The paper will conclude with a comprehensive proposal for ensuring that access to both types of visitation are protected in the future. To do this, it will review initiatives already considered or adopted and propose a policy that respects both the need to protect against the harms of a pandemic and the harms of isolation.
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