Visitation Policy

Visitation – Sign-Out/Sign-In Procedure, A-470

Procedure

• A sign-out/sign-in mechanism or book will be located at the front office area.
• When away all residents must be signed out when they leave the building and signed in when they return.
• In addition to signing a resident in/out, staff must be verbally informed by the resident or responsible party when a resident is taken out as well as when they have returned.
• Residents and their responsible parties are asked to inform the caregiver in the medication room when they will be gone over a mealtime.
• If staff is informed the resident will be gone and miss a medication time, the staff must send the medication with the resident or family member to administer. Staff must have the resident or family member sign on the Release of Medication Form saying they took the medication.
• If resident is going to a medical appointment or hospital, certain documents must go with the resident and returned. (see nursing requirements).

Visitation

Paradise Pointe guarantees Florida families the fundamental right to visit their loved ones receiving care in our community at all stages of life. Paradise Pointe will not require a vaccine or proof of immunization as a condition to visitation and will allow for consensual physical contact between patients and their loved ones. Paradise Pointe will allow in-person visitation for the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

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

Specific Visitation Provisions

Purpose

• To prevent the spread of infections from one resident to another.
• To prevent the spread of infections from visitors to residents.
• To protect staff from infections.
• To prevent the transfer of communicable diseases.
• To allow for safe, productive and enjoyable visits for residents and visitors.

Infection Control and Education

• Visitors will be provided with education regarding infection control.
• Hand washing is the most important method of infection control.
• Hands must be washed prior to contact with residents and between direct contact with any residents, after doing cleaning tasks, after using the restroom or any other task that provides opportunity for infection. Follow Hand Washing Procedure H – 120.
• If circumstances exist and PPE is needed/required, visitors will be provided with appropriate PPE and instructions regarding donning and doffing of gowns, gloves, masks, etc.

Screening and PPE

• All visitors are screened upon entry to ensure they do not have a fever, elevated temperature or other symptoms that may affect the residents in the community.
• Paradise Pointe will not compel any visitor to provide proof of vaccination or immunization as a pre-requisite for entry or visitation.
• Paradise Pointe has implemented CDC guidelines and public health recommendations to prevent the spread of disease and will follow these protocols.
• Gloves are available to be used and provided to visitors whenever there is a possibility of coming in contact with body fluids or blood.
• Should more protection be needed, a protective gear kit is located in the Executive Director’s office, Nurse’s station and Neighborhood Medication stations. This kit includes gloves, a disposable gown, eye protection and masks.
• If the protective gear kit has been used, an additional kit can be obtained from the Executive Director.

Length of Visits and Visitation Hours

• Paradise Pointe allow for visitors seven days a week between the hours of 8:30 am and 9:00 pm. Certain exceptions will be made on an individual basis, with approval of the Director of Nursing and Executive Director.
• Paradise Pointe does not limit the time a visitor may spend with a resident, however depending on the specific resident needs and care plan, some suggestions may be provided. Typical visits range between 1 – 3 hours.
• Visitors are allowed to join our residents for meals, special events and special occasions and are encouraged to coordinate these visits with the Life Engagement Manager.
• Paradise Pointe does not restrict the number of visitors a resident may have. For visiting parties greater than 4, we request advance notice so we can accommodate the visit and secure an appropriate room of space to best accommodate the visit.
• During certain times, when required by city, county or state mandates, the number of visitors may be restricted due to extenuating circumstances. In this case, Paradise Pointe will follow all requirements put forward and will work with the visitors to accommodate all visits within those parameters.

Management of Visitation Policies

• The Executive Director and Director of Healthcare set the visitation policies and jointly train the staff in regard to requirements, adherence and implementation.
• The Administrative Manager is responsible for the day to day monitoring of visitors, compliance and policy adherence. The Life Engagement Manager and Care Staff serve as back up to the Administrative Manager. Weekend compliance is the responsibility of the Manager on Duty.

All residents have the option to designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian or other individual as an essential caregiver. Paradise Pointe will allow in-person visitation by the essential caregiver for at least 2 hours daily in addition to other visitation. All visitors will be required to sign into the community and comply with all appropriate and required screenings prior to the visit. All visitors will be required to sign out upon departure from the community.

Related Policy

• Communication – Security