Objective Of Visitation Rights Policy

The objective of the policy complies with the visitation privileges supporting those individual rights. All residents have a right to privacy and access to visitors of their choice at any time. Restrictions may occur during a pandemic, contagious/infection disease outbreak.

PROCEDURE

A. All visitors will enter through the Main Entrance of the building. Each visitor may be asked to answer the questions on the Kiosk and proceed to the reception desk for their temperature to be checked. Once cleared, they may continue into the building. Any alerts, either by the kiosk or the receptionist, the visitor will be asked to wait by the door until triaged by a nurse.

B. The facility will promote resident visitation and access rights throughout the organization. This includes promoting immediate access for visitation for the resident representative, immediate family, friends, or others with the consent of the resident any time subject to reasonable clinical and safety restrictions and the resident’s right to deny or withdraw consent at any time. The facility will protect the rights of all residents and address or limit visitation that infringes on the rights of another resident. Resident visitors are not subject to visiting hour limitations or other restrictions not imposed by the resident or warranted due to reasonable clinical and safety restrictions. The facility will allow consensual physical contact between the resident and visitor, excepted during a pandemic or outbreak of infectious disease. Personal protective gear will be provided at no cost to resident or visitor.

C. Buena Vida will provide 24-hour access to other non-relative visitors with the consent of the resident subject to reasonable restrictions including clinical and safety restrictions as applicable. The facility will inform the resident and visitors as indicated.

D. Buena Vida will provide immediate access to any resident by:

• Any representative of the County
• Any representative of the State
• Any representative of the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman
• Resident’s individual physician
• Any representative of the protection and advocacy system as designated by the State and as established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Acts of 2000
• Any representative of the agency responsible for the protection and advocacy system for individuals with Mental Disorder Resident Representative
• End of Life situations
• A resident that was living with someone else prior and is now struggling with the new environment or lack of family support
• A resident who is making 1 or more major medical decisions.
• A resident who is experiencing emotional distress or is grieving over the loss of a family member or close friend.
• A resident that needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously done by a loved one or caregiver.
• A resident that used to talk & interact with people is no longer doing this.

E. The resident’s medical record will contain documentation about specific visitation restrictions, the reason, specific direction about the restriction, and the duration.

F. Buena Vida will promote that all visitors have full and equal visitation privileges consistent with resident preferences. Additionally, the resident has the right to participate in resident groups in the facility.

G. In the event that the resident and/or resident representative have concerns regarding their rights related to visitation, the resident and/or resident representative is encouraged to contact BUENA VIDA ESTATES Grievance Official.

H. During any Influenza, Contagious/Infectious Disease outbreak/pandemic, all outside visitors will be limited to family members, Essential Personnel Only (Hospice, Home Health, PT), and anyone that qualifies under Procedure D. of this policy, until deemed safe by the Director of Health Services. Residents will be stay in their rooms/units until deemed safe for restrictions to be lifted or with limited visitor restrictions.

1. Visitors are required at all times to wash or use hand sanitizer before & after all visits with our residents. If needed, personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, masks, goggles/face shields, etc.) will be provided by staff to residents and visitors.
2. Visitors will be educated by nurse on the importance of following these guidelines to protect the residents and themselves. Any issues will be brought to the attention of the Director of Health Services immediately.

I. The Director of Health Services or a designee will be responsible for the adherence of this policy & procedure. Any questions or concerns, should be directed to them.

Policy for Use of Facial Coverings

BUENA VIDA ESTATES policy is to maintain the health and safety of all our residents, visitors, and staff. Buena Vida Estates will post a copy of this policy on our website and in the common areas.

Resident Requirements:
No resident may be required to wear facial covering unless the resident’s health care practitioner/health care provider requires the resident to wear facial covering only when the resident is in a common area and is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission. Facial coverings mean cloth or surgical masks, a face shield, or any other facial covering that covers the mouth and nose.
Visitor Requirements:
No visitor may be required to wear facial covering, unless it is required by a healthcare provider, if the visitor is:

a. Exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission.

b. Is in an in-patient or clinical room with a patient who is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission, or

c. Is visiting a resident, whose healthcare provider has diagnosed the resident with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system. The condition is known to increase the risk of transmission of an infection from employees without signs and symptoms of infection to a resident. The resident’s healthcare practitioner has determined that the use of facial covering is necessary for the resident’s safety.

Opt-Out Requirements:
1. Buena Vida Estates facial covering policy and procedures has a provision for visitors, residents, and staff to opt-out of wearing facial covering if an alternative method of infection control or infectious disease prevention is available. It is everyone’s right to opt out of this policy, if needed. To do so, please speak with the Director of Health Services or the Wellness Clinic Nurse.
2. The facility’s facial covering policy and procedures has provisions to opt-out of wearing facial covering, unless the person is:

1. Working with a resident, whose healthcare provider has diagnosed the resident with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system. The condition is known to increase the risk of transmission of an infection from employees without signs and symptoms of infection to a resident. The resident’s healthcare practitioner has determined that the use of facial covering is necessary for the resident’s safety,
2. Working with a resident on droplet or airborne isolation.
3. Engaging in non-clinical potentially hazardous activities that require facial coverings to prevent physical injury or harm in accordance with industry standards.
4. A person wearing oxygen or has other breathing problems, may opt out.
5. Any form of dementia or other mental health conditions, may opt out.
6. A child under the age of 2 years of age, may opt out.