November 17, 2021
On Friday, November 12th, CMS released updated regulations regarding visitation for Skilled Nursing residents. These changes will go into effect for Skilled Nursing immediately and we are hoping Department of Human Services will update Personal Care regulations to match in the coming weeks, if not days.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled Nursing residents may now receive visitors in their rooms regardless of vaccination status, facility outbreak, or quarantine status. Below is a summary of the new procedures for Skilled Nursing Visitation as required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid:
Personal Care/Memory Support
At this time, there have been no changes to the visitation procedures. As soon as new guidelines are received, we will send out a communication to all families. Vaccinated residents may receive visitors in their rooms so long as the facility is not in outbreak status. Non-vaccinated residents may only receive visitors if they are designated as compassionate caregivers.
Visitation Reminders for all Supportive Living
- Visitation is strongly encouraged between the hours of 9AM and 7PM. Visitors coming outside of those hours may have to wait to be let in and ensure they are checked in and screened properly.
- ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AND BE SCREENED PRIOR TO VISITION. Any visitor who fails to check in and disclose any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 at that time may have visitation privileges limited in the future.
- All visitation must occur in resident rooms. Visitors are not permitted to visit with resident in dining or common areas unless prior approval is received from facility administrator.
- Visitors must wear a mask and remain physically distanced the entirety of the visit.
Holiday Procedures for Supportive Living
Following guidance from regulatory agencies for both Skilled Nursing and Personal Care, we will be permitting residents to leave the facility with family during the holiday season this year. We ask that families notify the appropriate facility in advance so we can plan accordingly to ensure medications, treatments, and other items are taken care of in a timely manner. Families will be asked to sign a form that outlines the policies and procedures that should be followed while the resident is out of the facility. We urge families to follow these procedures and exercise caution while your loved one is out of the facility. Possible exposures put not only your loved one at risk, but the other residents in the community at risk when individuals return. Non-vaccinated residents who leave the facility may be quarantined for up to 14 days following their return for their safety and the safety of those around them.
Please do not hesitate to reach out directly should you have any questions regarding visitation or holiday procedures for supportive living.