Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to maintain the highest level of protection for our residents during this Covid-19 Pandemic realizing our residents are the most vulnerable to this virus.

Policy: The facility will allow visitation following the guidelines from CDC, CMS and Pennsylvania Department of Health and County Health Department in order to maintain the safety of the residents and staff that work in the facility during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Procedure:

  1. The facility will closely monitor and adjust this policy per CDC, CMS, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the County Health Department.
  2. This policy may also be adjusted if there is an increase in positive Covid-19 cases within the community or facility.
  3. The Executive Director and Director of Nursing will consult with the Medical Director, medical staff and local hospitals if there is a change in the community or facility with regard to Covid-19.
  4. Window and Skype visits can continue. 
  5. Families that wish to have an in-person visit with their family members will make an appointment with the Unit Clerks, Social Service or the Director of Nursing.
  6. During the call for the appointment the family will be screened for travel. If the family member traveled to an area that appears on the PA DOH travel alert area the appointment will not be made.
  7. Scheduled visitation times will be established.
  8. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted.
  9. Residents may have two visitors at one time.
  10. Visitation will be limited to four residents at a time due to the need for social distancing. 
  11. Visits will be limited to 30 minutes and will take place in the courtyard.
  12. Residents and families will be asked to limit visits to twice per week in order to allow all residents the opportunity to have a visit with their family.
  13. Visitors will not be permitted on the skilled nursing unit except in the case of compassionate visitation in end of life situations.
  14. In the event of inclement weather the visit will be cancelled. Inclement weather will include snow, rain and temperatures that rise above 90 degrees or fall below 50 degrees.
  15. Masks or face coverings will be mandatory at all times when on the community property.
  16. Upon arrival to the community visitors should enter through the main entrance (the Meadows entrance will remain closed).
  17. Upon entering the main entrance the visitor should use the hand sanitizer and then will be screened by having their temperature taken and answering a few questions.
  18. Visitors will not be permitted for the following reasons:
    • Temperature above 99
    • Travel to an area that is of high risk within the last 21 days i.e. a country or a state that is experiencing a high volume of community spread.
    • Showing symptoms of Covid-19 i.e. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, GI symptoms, lack of smell or taste, general malaise etc.
  19. Once the screening process is complete the visitors will be escorted to the courtyard for the visit.
  20. Each resident will have an area of the courtyard to visit with their family. Movement around the courtyard will not be feasible in order to maintain social distancing from other residents and their families.
  21. During the visit the resident and the visitors must remain 6 feet apart in order to maintain social distancing.
  22. The resident and visitors must keep the mask on at all times.
  23. During visitation a staff member will be present to assist as needed and to ensure that all safety measures are being followed.
  24. After the visit (scheduled visiting times) the visitors will be taken to the front entrance to exit the facility.  
  25. Due to scheduling, if visitors are late for their scheduled visiting time, their time may not be extended to meet the 30 minutes of visitation.
  26. The resident will be assisted back into the facility.
  27. The chairs used during the visit will be sanitized by Housekeeping or Maintenance before the next visitation.