Policy- Updated as of 3-29-21

It is the policy of this facility to adhere to CDC guidelines and best practices for indoor visitation to support each resident’s quality of life. The facility will not restrict visitation without a clinical or safety reason. Visits will be person-centered with consideration of the residents’ physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.

It remains a best practice to continue to limit potential exposure, as much as possible, especially while new positive diagnoses continue to rise across our state and region. The continued use of outdoor visits (weather permitting) and electronic technology for virtual visits is strongly encouraged to keep connected as much as possible.

Basic Protection Matters

Face coverings (nose and mouth), social distancing of 6 feet or more, and frequent hand washing for 20 seconds or more or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer all remain critical in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Guidelines:

  • Inside visitation will be permitted when there is no onset of COVID-19 cases.
  • Visitors must be able to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 prevention. Team members will monitor visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles, such as children or a non-compliant visitor.
  • Core principles include but are not limited to:
  • Screening of temperature; questionnaire related to exposure, signs or symptoms (cough, recent onset of shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, or new onset of loss of taste or smell); and a COVID-19 rapid test. Visitation will be denied to individuals with a temperature greater than 100 degrees, having signs or symptoms, answering yes to any of the screening questions, or a positive test until conditions change;
  • Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is preferred);
  • Face covering or mask (covering both mouth and nose);
  • Instructional signage throughout the facility;
  • Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high frequency touched surfaces;
  • Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
  • Effective cohorting of residents, when appropriate;
  • Resident and team member testing conducted, as required;
  • Respecting facility time restrictions to allow others to visit loved ones.

 

Indoor Visitation will begin on March 29th, 2021.

  • Indoor visits can be held every day Monday through Sunday, 9am-5pm by appointment only. Exceptions, on a case by case basis will be made for family members who cannot visit during these times.
  • No more than two visits can occur at the same time within the facility.
  • Visits will last for 30 minutes in the resident’s room.
  • Visits will be monitored every 15 minutes by a staff member to insure Infection Control measures are being followed.
  • The number of visitors per resident at one time will be limited to one per resident.
  • Visits will be primarily conducted in the resident’s room. If the resident being visited shares a room with another resident, a private room will be made available to host the visit.
  • The facility will offer each visitor a rapid COVID test prior to visiting with their loved one.
  • The facility may also encourage visitors to be tested on their own prior to coming to the facility (e.g., within 2–3 days) with proof of negative test results and date of test.

Procedure

  1. Visitor will be screened prior to entering facility.
  2. Visitor entry will be the front door.
  3. Visitation will be limited to a specific visitation area, private resident room, or an alternate designated private location.
  4. Each visitor must bring a face covering or mask (covering both mouth and nose) and perform hand hygiene upon arrival.
    1. Facemask will be provided, in an emergency, if visitor does not bring a face covering or mask.
  5. Each visitor will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. temperature; rapid test; and potential exposure, signs or symptoms questions).
    1. Those with a temperature of 100 degrees or greater, having signs or symptoms and/or test positive will be denied entry until conditions change.
  6. Visitors will provide contact information on a screening log to assist with contact tracing, if needed by the county health department.
  7. Visitors will be reminded to adhere to the core principles and team members will monitor for those who may have difficulty adhering to the core principles, such as small children. Core principles include but are not limited to:
    1. Pre-entrance screening for COVID-19 symptoms
    2. Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is preferred)
    3. Face covering/mask (covering mouth and nose) at all times during the visit
    4. Social distancing at least six feet between individuals
    5. Respect of facility visitation times to allow others to visit loved ones
  8. Visitors will perform hand hygiene prior to entering resident care areas.
  9. Residents who are fully vaccinated may choose to have close, physical contact with visitors if both parties wear well-fitted masks and perform hand-hygiene before and after contact.
  10. Visitors will have limited movement in the facility by going directly to the designated visitation area.
  11. Visitation area(s) will be cleaned with an EPA-registered disinfectant before and after each visit.
  12. Privacy will be maintained during visits unless otherwise contraindicated due to the resident’s medical status or failure to follow infection control measures and/or core principles.
  13. Upon exit, visitors will be reminded that if they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 within 2-14 days after visiting the center they should immediately notify the center of the date they visited.
  14. Any individuals who had contact with the visitor will be screened for the level of exposure and discussed with the Medical Director and county health department for guidance.