Updated: 08/15/2025

POLICY:

State regulatory requirements allow residents to have visitors at a minimum from 9 am to 9 pm. There may be circumstances which restrict resident visitation , such as pandemic influenza or the presence of infectious diseases that may require isolation. We are also required to have additional policies and procedures to allow in-person visitation that allows a resident to have in-person visits by an Essential Caregiver during these circumstances. (there is no time limit in regards to essential caregiver visitation.)  The visitation policies and procedures required must allow in person visitation by Essential Caregivers in the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:  

1. End-of-life situations. 
2. A resident, client, or patient who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support. 
3. The resident, client, or patient is making one or more major medical decisions. 
4. A resident, client, or patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died. 
5. A resident, client, or patient needs cueing, or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver. 
6. A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking. 

PROCEDURES:

In-Community Team Members:

1. The Executive Director or Designee is responsible for team member, essential caregivers, and general visitors adherence to the visitation policies. Executive Director along with Director of Wellness are the individuals responsible for education of infection control for team members, essential caregivers, and general visitors.  Education of infection control are: Hand washing / Sanitization, PPE, types and how to don and doff. Proximity limits do not fall under this education or requirements.  
2. Current residents shall be provided a copy of the new policy. The Executive Director shall discuss the policy during the resident monthly meeting.
3. Upon move-in to the community, the resident or legal representative shall complete acknowledgement of this policy and shall sign and date the policy form. A copy of the executed form shall be placed in the resident administration file and shall be subject to review upon request.
4. The form and policy shall be incorporated in the Resident Handbook and house rules for visitation.
5. Team member on this subject shall be included in the in-service training for Resident Rights and Emergency Procedures.
6. Essential caregivers shall sign in to a log sheet acknowledging understanding their understanding by signing in, they agree to follow the community visitation policies. There is no limit on essential care givers, family, or visitors amount of time they are permitted to visit.  

PROCEDURE:

Before In-Person Visitation, Essential Caregivers Are Required to Adhere to the Following Procedures:

1. Sign in upon entering the community and before interacting with any team member, residents, family members, outside providers or friends. A copy of the policy  is available for review upon request. The visitation policy is posted at the front desk. You may ask for a copy of this. If you are not feeling well, or running a temperature, use soap and water to wash your hands for 7 minutes under warm water. Please be sure to get under fingernails and between fingers.  Please don PPE, as in Mask, Gloves, and any other PPE to protect the individuals you come into contact with. 
2. The policy shall be posted in the community in a conspicuous area accessible to visitors. Failure of visitors to adhere to the policy shall result in suspension of in-person visitation. Essential caregivers cannot be restricted. 
3. The Visitor shall not be required to submit proof of vaccination or immunization. 
4. Submit to a Screening which may have a questionnaire about health status. Essential Caregivers cannot be restricted. General visitors may be restricted if the questionnaire indicates precautions may need to be taken to protect the residents. 
5. Comply with the Infection control and education policies for visitors, team members and third party providers.  Infection Control policies may request a visitor to wear Personal Protection Equipment. (PPE)
6. Visitation hours will be 9 am to 9 pm. There is not a time limit for visitation during the hours of 9 am to 9 pm. Visitation outside of these hours require Executive Director approval.
   1. There is no limitation on the number of visitors a resident may have daily, or at one time between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm. 
   2. Consensual physical contact between a resident and a visitor shall not be restricted  

Visitation by Essential Caregivers May Occur in the Following Circumstances, Unless the Resident Objects:

1. End -of Life situations. 
2. The resident who was living with family before move-in to the community’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support. 
3. The resident is making one or more major medical decisions. 
4. The resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend, or family member who recently died. 
5. A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by family member or caregiver. 
6. A resident who used to talk and interact with others and is seldom speaking.