Policy Title: In-Person Visitation for Essential Caregivers

Effective Date: 4/01/2022

POLICY: At times there may be circumstances which restrict Resident visitation, such as pandemic flu or presence of infectious diseases that may require isolation. Florida Statute 408.823, the “No Patient Left Alone Act” requires SUNSCAPE BOCA SENIOR LIVING to implement policy that allows a Resident to have in-person visits by an Essential Caregiver during these circumstances. The visitation policies and procedures required must allow in person visitation by Essential Caregivers in all of the following circumstances, unless the resident, client, or patient 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: SUNSCAPE BOCA SENIOR LIVING requires the following procedures to comply with the statute. Before in-person visitation, all Essential Caregivers must adhere to the following procedures:

1. Sign in upon entering the facility and before interacting with any staff, residents, family members or friends. A copy of the policy including FS 408.823 is available for review upon request.
2. The Visitor shall sign this policy acknowledging an understanding of visitation policies. Failure of visitors to adhere to the policy shall result in suspension of in-person visitation.
3. The Visitor shall not be required to submit proof of vaccination or immunization.
4. Submit to a Screening which may include temperatures and/or a questionnaire about health status. 2
5. Comply with the Infection control and education policies for visitors. Infection Control policies may request a visitor to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including properly wearing a face mask and other necessary PPE and perform hand hygiene. Staff will provide directions on the proper use of FACEMASK, PPE and HANDWASHING. (SEE ATTACHED COPIES OF THE HANDOUTS PROVIDED).
6. Visitation hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as per FS 429.28 (1)(d). Any visitation outside of those hours will be considered upon request to the Administrator. During these hours, in- person visitation by the essential caregiver is allowed for at least 2 hours daily in addition to any other visitation authorized by the provider.
7. Consensual physical contact between a resident, client, or patient and the visitor is NOT prohibited.
8. A resident, client, or patient may designate at least two visitors, who is a family member, friend, guardian, or other individual as an essential caregiver. Additional visitors may be allowed upon request and approval of the Administrator.
9. This section does not require an essential caregiver to provide necessary care to a resident, client, or patient of a provider, and providers may not require an essential caregiver to provide such care.

PROCEDURES: SUNSCAPE BOCA SENIOR LIVING in-house procedures include:

1. The Administrator or is responsible for staff adherence to the visitation policies.
2. All current residents shall be provided with a copy of the new policy. The Administrator or Designee shall discuss the policy during the resident monthly meeting.
3. Upon admission to SUNSCAPE BOCA SENIOR LIVING the resident or legal representative shall complete the acknowledgement of the policy and shall sign and date the form. A copy of the executed form shall be placed in the resident business file and shall be subject to review upon request.
4. The form and policy shall be incorporated into the Resident Handbook and house rules for visitation.
5. Staff training on this subject shall be included in the Inservice training for Resident Rights and Emergency Procedures.
6. All Essential caregivers shall sign-in to a log sheet understanding that by signing in they agree to follow the visitation policies of SUNSCAPE BOCA SENIOR LIVING. 

Preventing Infection for Visitors

All Visitors: must wash hands and put on masks. We recommend that you disinfect the bottom of your shoes upon leaving the center with a disinfectant spray.

Essential Care Visitors: will wash hands, wear a mask, and wear gloves.

Compassionate Care Visitors: will wash hands, wear a mask, and wear gloves. In addition, if they are seeing a resident with COVID-19 or any other communicable diseases, they are required to wear a face shield or goggles and a gown.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Later the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a time? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean paper towel or air dry them,

How to Use Hand Sanitizer:

• Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount)

• Rub your hands together.

• Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.