Visitation Policy and Procedure

                                                              Open Arms ALF

The following policy and procedure have been developed in conjunction with the current Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and recommendations as well as the new SB 988 guidelines and requirements. This policy and procedures meet the standards 429.28 (1)d (pursuant to 408.823, F.S.).

The purpose is to ensure that all the employees, residents, and visitors are aware of our facility

policy and procedure. To maintain a safe environment for all people including staff, residents, or visitors by avoiding an outbreak of any communicable disease not to exclude corona virus in the facility, by way of following universal precautions and CDC recommended guidelines.

Visitation definition and procedures may be altered or changed based on local and state health

department mandates.

Visitation may occur at minimum between 9am to 9pm. The length of the visit shall not be limited. Essential caregivers will be permitted an additional 2 hours of visitation daily authorized by the provider. Each resident will have unrestricted private communications and visit with any person of their choice with a maximum of 3 visitors at a time. Consensual contact between the resident and their loved ones is permitted unless a resident chooses otherwise. 

The Administrator Tammy Riedy (386) 279-1040 or Designee is the point of contact and responsible for staff adherence to this policy.

SB 988 states that all hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities visitation policies and

procedures must allow for in–person visitation in all the following circumstances, unless the

resident, client, or patient objects: That which applies to assisted communities are as follows

•  End-of-life situations.
• 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.
• The resident, client, or patient is making one or more major medical decisions.
• A resident, client, or patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
• A resident, client, or patient needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
• A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.

Essential Caregivers (EC)

• Provide healthcare services and/or assistance with activities of daily living to help maintain or improve the quality of care or quality of life of a facility resident
• Care or service provided by the essential caregiver is included in the plan of care or service plan for the resident
• Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing and eating -- but does not include grooming

Our Residents will be asked if they wish to designate any of the individuals within their circle of support as an Essential and a copy will be kept within their files.

All visitors’ which include essential caregiver guidelines for visitation:

MASKS & PPE ARE ESSENTIAL:

All Essential Caregivers & any other visitors will be required to wear a Surgical Mask or facial

coverings and other appropriate PPE for the duration of their visit as permitted by the facility if

there is a known outbreak of an infectious disease.

• Essential caregiver visitors will be screened, prior to visiting the residents, to determine whether they are exhibiting symptoms of communicable diseases that could be spread to other residents. Essential care giver visitors must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) per the facility’s Infection Control Policies. PPE required should be consistent with the most recent CDC guidance for healthcare workers. The essential caregiver visitor shall wear the same PPE that staff wear to provide care and services to Open Arms ALF residents. Essential caregivers will not be denied entry into the facility.
• Open Arms ALF will not require more stringent safety related policies and procedures than those established for Open Arms ALF staff and will not require visitors to submit proof of any vaccinations or immunization.

INFECTION CONTROL:

The facility will provide Education on Infection Control, and this will be conducted through

telephone, Virtual Communication or In-Person. Each visitor will be instructed on ensuring to

properly wash and or sanitize their hands prior to their visit as they enter the facility. Each visitor will be informed of whom to communicate any and all issues and concerns to Tammy Riedy (386) 279-1040 or designated staff member.

In the event that Infection Control Practice is not maintained by any visitor, then

the facility can revoke the visit until such time as the individual is able to comply with Infection

Control measure.

All visitors will be screened upon entrance into the facility by signing in and out when visiting.

Visitors are not compelled to provide proof of vaccination or immunization status. They will be

provided with the required or necessary personal protective equipment from the local health

department’s recommendations and guidelines.

Our Visitation hours for all visitors will be from 9:00am-9:00pm Sunday thru Saturday. If you are an out-of-town visitor, you will be permitted to visit longer as we want you to enjoy your time with your loved one. But the designated essential caregiver will be provided with 2 hours per day of visitation in addition to other visiting times. We ask that you notify the facility administrator Tammy Riedy (386) 279-1040.

REPORTING ILLNESS:

We require that all Visitors, including essential caregivers, notify us of any symptoms of

communicable diseases up to 14 days after a visit to the community. No visitors including

essential caregivers will be compelled to provide proof of vaccination and immunization status.

SUSPENSION OF VISITATION:

Our goal is to ensure that your visit with your loved one and to their home is a memorable visit,

please note that in the event that a visitor of any type is not adhering to the policy and procedure set forth. The facility may suspend the visitation at any given time.