Visitor Policy

PART 1:

REPLACES POLICY:

• OO-02-01-30 Outdoor Visiting during COVID-19
• OO-02-01-31 Indoor Visiting during COVID-19
• OO-02-01-34 Essential Family Caregivers & Essential Visitors

 

Applies to: Residents, Essential Visitors, General Visitors, and Staff

 

SCOPE OF THE POLICY- To comply with:

1. Fixing Long Term Care Act, 2021 section 12, 43
2. Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 O. Reg. 246/22 Section 4, 61

3. The Resident Bill of Rights

 

PART 2:

Education and Training:

• Policy to be shared via email with Shalom Staff when there are applicable changes.
• POA or SDM to be made aware of this policy via email.
• Residents to be made aware via Shalom shares
• Relevant policy changes will be posted to the homes website and Facebook page.
• Reception can be contacted for a copy of this policy
• This policy will be posted on the home’s website

 

GOALS:

This policy provides guidance on how essential visitors and general visitors can visit at Shalom Manor & Gardens, while providing a safe environment and promoting the health and wellbeing of all residents & staff.

 

OBJECTIVES:

This policy outlines the procedures and safety measures in place for visits at Shalom Manor & Gardens

 

POLICY: ALL VISITORS

• Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors, who are encouraged to ensure hand hygiene occurs before contact with resident
• All visitors will sign in and out with the ICA, due to this the log book is currently not in use. In the event of an evacuation the ICA spreadsheet would be our record of individuals currently in the building.
• Non-compliance to this policy may result in discontinuation of visits for the non-compliant visitor.

 

POLICY: ESSENTIAL VISITORS

Essential visitors are the only type of visitors allowed when a resident is self-isolating or symptomatic, or if the home is in outbreak. In this scenario, the essential visitor must wear appropriate PPE at all times according to public health guidelines. Shalom Manor & Gardens reserves the right to limit or cancel visits to the home if there is not an adequate PPE supply.

 

PROCEDURE: SHALOM MANOR & GARDENS- ESSENTIAL VISITS FOR CRITICALLY ILL OR END OF LIFE

• For the purpose of this policy, essential visitors include a person visiting a critically ill or end of life resident or as deemed appropriate & necessary by Shalom Manor & Gardens. For the purpose of this policy, a resident is considered end of life when they have been deemed end of life by the physician.
  • A resident who meets this criteria may have up to 4 essential visitors at a time, these individuals may visit separately or together and may change from day to day. Exceptions may be made when death is imminent or has occurred.
• The essential visitor must;
  • Pass active screening before being permitted into the facility.
    • Exceptions may be made in emergency circumstances if the individual fails screening.
  • Get rapid tested for COVID-19 upon each entry to the facility (unless tested the day prior), they do not need to wait for results. If a visitor refuses rapid testing all staff will wear full PPE (mask, gown, gloves, eye protection) when caring for this resident due to a possible exposure to COVID-19. Visitors do not need to wear PPE unless the resident is isolating for another reason.
  • Wear a surgical mask at all times while in the facility, which will be provided by the screener at the front door, and any other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Essential visitors may only visit the resident they are intended to visit and must leave the facility immediately once the visit is completed.
• These types of visitors may stay 24 hours per day, and there is a cot available for use.
• COVID-19 vaccination is not required

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• RN: Assess the resident for change in health status and notify POA or SDM that resident may have essential visitors. Notify DRC or ADRC and ICA of residents’ status and that they are permitted to have essential visitors.
• ICA: Complete active screening of visitor prior to visitor being permitted in the building and ensure that essential visitor is wearing a surgical mask prior to entering.
• ALL STAFF: Ensure that this policy is followed, report non-adherence of this policy by visitors to RN.

 

PROCEDURE: SHALOM MANOR & GARDENS- ESSENTIAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS (EFC’s)

 

Each resident is able to have up to 4 individuals designated for them to provide caregiving supports, however, exceptions can be made at the discretion of the home based on resident need. This support could include support with an aspect of the resident’s activities of daily living, psychosocial support (such as cognitive stimulation & meaningful connection), assistance with decision making and communication or anything that is deemed essential to the residents’ health and wellbeing. Essential family caregivers do not need to be a direct relative, they could be a friend, neighbor or anyone that a resident deems is essential to their health and wellbeing.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination:

• Fully vaccinated EFC’s must be tested with a rapid test every other day (as applicable) and must wait for results before proceeding to the home area. They are able to provide support outside of the residents’ room as deemed appropriate by the home. An example of this is feeding in the dining room.
• Unvaccinated EFC’s must be tested upon each entry to the home and must wait for results before proceeding to the home area. They must visit in the residents’ room, unless they are taking the resident outside for a walk.

 

SCHEDULING: POA will contact reception to be added to the designated essential family caregiver list. An essential family caregiver can only change in response to 1) Residents care needs that are reflected in the plan of care. 2) Availability of a designated caregiver either temporary, or permanent.

 

• The Essential Family Caregivers must;
  • PRIOR TO THE 1^ST VISIT: Essential family caregivers must fill out an essential family caregiver agreement which indicates that they understand the policies of the home, and have reviewed the required education which can be found on Shalom’s website.
  • UPON ENTRY INTO THE FACILITY: Pass an active screening questionnaire administered by the ICA and obtain a negative rapid antigen test at the minimum frequency set out by the Ministry of LTC, or greater if need is determined by the facility.
    • Individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 will resume testing with a rapid antigen test 90 days after 1^st positive result, provided they show proof of positive PCR test OR the rapid test was completed at the facility.
  • Be provided with a nametag stating their name and the initials & home area of the resident they are intended to visit. The essential family caregiver will keep this nametag for subsequent visits in the home and wear it in a visible location at all times while in the facility.
  • DURING THE VISIT:
    • The essential family caregiver must wear a surgical mask at all times over their mouth and nose which will be provided by the facility, cloth masks are not permitted inside Shalom Manor & Gardens. And any additional PPE if resident is in isolation precautions.
      • EFC’s who wear their own mask and refuse to remove it must wear one of the facilities masks overtop. However, this is discouraged.
      • Exception: EFC’s may remove their mask to eat or drink with their loved one, they must continue to maintain 6 foot distance.
    • The essential family caregiver will visit the resident they are intending to visit and leave immediately once the visit is over.
    • The essential family caregiver must maintain a 6 foot distance from all other residents and staff.

 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• SCHEDULING: Reception will maintain list of EFC’s
• Admission coordinator: Notify the POA that resident may have up to 4 designated essential family caregivers. Review policy with them and have them fill out essential caregiver agreement. Notify reception of admission and list names of designated caregivers.
• ICA OR DESIGNATE: Complete active screening of caregiver prior to them being permitted in the building and ensure that essential family caregiver is wearing a surgical mask and nametag prior to entering.
• ALL STAFF: Ensure that this policy is followed, report non-adherence of this policy by visitors to RN or appropriate manager.
• EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR: Make name tags and provide to ICA

 

POLICY: GENERAL VISITORS

If the facility enters an outbreak all general visits may be discontinued until deemed safe to resume by public health. Non-compliance by visitors to this policy may result in discontinuation of visits for the non-compliant visitor. Shalom Manor & Gardens reserves the right to cancel or suspend visits to the home if there is not an adequate PPE supply.

ShalOM MANOr & Gardens-INDOOR VISITS.

 

PROCEDURE:

• General visitors must pre-book their testing time through the online booking system to manage capacity at the screening desk.
• Up to 4 people (including EFC’s) may be present for the visit at a time.
• General visitors can visit the resident in their room or may take them outside for a walk in the parking lot.
  • Exceptions to visiting location may be made upon request
• All individuals can visit as a general visitor regardless of vaccination status.
• The visitor must;
  • UPON ENTRY INTO THE FACILITY: Pass an active screening questionnaire administered by ICA and obtain a rapid antigen test. All general visitors must wait for their results.
    • Individuals who have previously tested positive will be exempted from rapid antigen testing for 90 days from 1^st positive result, provided they show proof of positive PCR test, or rapid test was conducted at the facility.
  • DURING THE VISIT:
    • The visitor must wear a surgical mask at all times which will be provided by the facility, plus any other PPE required if the resident is isolating. Cloth masks are not permitted for indoor visits.
    • If the visitor refuses to take off their mask they must wear one of the facilities masks overtop, however, this is discouraged.
    • The visitor will visit the resident they are intending to visit and leave immediately once the visit is over.
    • Visitors are limited to one resident per visit, unless visiting spouses.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General visitors will follow the visiting policies of the home at all times. The ICA will actively screen the general visitor and complete the rapid antigen test. All staff will report non-compliance with the visiting policy to the DRC or designate.

 

SHALOM MANOR & GARDENS- OUTDOOR VISITS

 

Procedure:

• The family member wishing to book a visit will book using the online booking system, if they do not have access to a computer or mobile device visit can be booked by reception during regular business hours.
• One EFC/general visitor will sign into the home, proceeded to the Home Area, and inform the RPN of the outdoor visit. EFC/general visitor will then porter the resident to the patio for an outdoor visit. EFC/general visitor is responsible for bringing the resident back to their home area.
• All outdoor patio visitors are to report to the ICA desk prior to their outdoor visit for active screening. Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) not required.
• Visits can be up to 60 minutes in length
• Only one resident can be on the patio at a time, unless a spouse of another resident.
• The visits will occur in the gated patio and up to 10 visitors are permitted per resident/couple at a time.
• Steps for families:
  • Upon arrival, visitors will be screened by the Infection Control Attendant (ICA) at the front door.
  • One EFC/general visitor in-charge to porter resident to-and-from the home area
  • One EFC/general visitor will inform the RPN that the resident will be leaving the home area for a patio visit.
  • Masks are required on the patio if visitors are within 6 feet of the resident
  • If standing outside the gated patio masks are not required, however they are strongly encouraged
  • The EFC/general visitor will disinfect surfaces after each visit with product provided.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outdoor visits may be booked by online using our online booking system. The visits may be supervised by a staff member, and any major issue or trends will be reported to the Manager of Programs and Support Services (MPSS).  The EFC/general visitor who books the outdoor visit will ensure that each visitor in their party is actively screened at the front door by the Infection Control Attendant (ICA). Residents will be escorted from their Home Area to the designated visiting area by their EFC/general visitor, after the EFC/general visitor has successfully pass the active screening, including a rapid antigen test (RAT) test, prior to entering the Home. Outdoor visitors who do not enter the home do not require a RAT test.

 

Definitions:

ICA: Infection Control Attendant

POA: Power of Attorney

EFC: Essential Family Caregiver

SDM: Substitute Decision Maker

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

MPSS: Manager of Programs and Support Services

RAT: Rapid Antigen Test

Fully Vaccinated = 2 weeks since 2^nd dose in a 2 dose series, or 2 weeks past a dose of a single dose series.

Up to date with vaccination = all doses recommended by Health Canada

 

Appendices:

A: Essential Family Caregiver List

B: Essential Family Caregiver Education Package

C: Ministry of LTC COVID-19 Guidance Documents (as amended)

D: LTC screening tool (as amended)