Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are beginning to allow visitors again. If you are considering visiting a friend or family member, it continues to be important to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Even if nursing homes in your state are allowed to resume visitation, individual nursing homes may remain locked down due to local or facility-specific circumstances.
Before visiting, contact the facility and ask what their procedures are for visitors. The CDC recommends limiting the number of visitors and the length of visits. Many nursing homes require families to schedule their visits in advance, and limit the length of time for visits. Some nursing homes only allow visitors in “compassionate care” situations, such as when a resident is near death. You should expect to be limited in the frequency of your visits, so that the facility can guarantee proper social distancing measures are followed.
When you arrive, every person should be evaluated for symptoms, including a fever screening and a questionnaire about recent symptoms and exposure. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, or have had any symptoms of illness, it is important to stay away. You may be asked to sign a statement indicated that you have not had symptoms of the coronavirus in the prior two weeks. Upon entering, either wash your hands with soap, or use hand sanitizer if a wash basin isn’t available.
It is necessary to wear a mask at all times during your visit. Some facilities also require that visits happen outside, as studies have shown that the risk of contracting the virus is considerably lower outside, but a mask should still be worn while you are on the grounds.
While you may not be able to visit as often as you like, you can still remain connected to your loved ones. If you haven’t already, talk to the staff of the nursing home about setting up virtual visits. Through virtual visits, you could watch a movie with your loved one, take them on a walk through a park, or even play an online game. Don’t forget about the importance of non-virtual connection, like cards and care packages.
