VISITATION POLICY & PROCEDURES

The Policy is designed to promote resident, visitor and employee safety and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

As per Florida Statute 408.823, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that staff adhere to policies and procedures. 

Community Entry:

· Visitors are not required to submit proof of any vaccination or immunizations 

· Consensual physical contact between residents and their loved ones will not be restricted.

· All visitors must sign in/out.

· Visitations are between 9am – 9pm. Visitors can make arrangements with the Executive Director for an exception.

· There is no limit on the number of visitors allowed per visit. 

· Residents may designate a visitor who is a family member, friend, guardian or other individual as an essential caregiver. There are no limits on the number of identified Essential Caregivers per resident.

· Information regarding restricted entry, community outbreaks or public health emergencies will be posted on the entrance doors. 

· In the event that a visitor violates the Facility’s policies and procedures as outlined, the Facility reserves the right to suspend in person visitation from that specific visitor. 

Special Circumstances: 

In the event of a Local, State or Federal Agency might require restrictions, the Essential Caregiver will be allowed in all of the following circumstances, unless the resident objects:

· End of life situations.

· A resident who was living with family before being admitted to the Facility 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. 

The essential caregiver is allowed to have in person visitation for at least 2 hours daily. 

The Facility will set a limit on the total number of visitors allowed in the facility at any given time based on the ability to accommodate proper visitation space. 

The Facility will designate locations for visitation/care to occur planning for residents in shared spaces and facilities with minimal common space to identify maximum time availability.

The Facility will provide outdoor visitation spaces that are protected from weather elements, such as the screen porch.

Always There Assisted Living will provide the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) with a copy of the facility’s essential caregiver visitor’s policy and procedure, with the initial licensure application, renewal application and/or change of ownership application.