COVID-19 VISITATION POLICY ELM YORK
We encourage our residents to maintain ongoing contact with their friends and family and ensure that resident and family communication is ongoing.
We will provide immediate access to any of our resident’s visitor of their choice including, but not limited to, immediate family or other relatives of the resident and any others visiting with the consent of the resident.
We will not limit the number of visitors a resident can have at any one time, nor the frequency or length of visits for residents, or require advance scheduling of visits. Elm York must ensure physical distancing can be maintained and, to the extent possible, avoid large gatherings during which individuals in the same space cannot maintain physical distancing.
All who enter must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of test result should not enter our building.
Our receptionists may ask a visitor about their vaccination status however, visitors are not required to be tested or vaccinated or show proof of such as a condition of visitation.
We ask that all visitors wear face masks when around other residents or healthcare personnel, regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status.
Visitors will be advised to go directly to the designated visitation area, in order to limit movement within the building
We will make available a user-friendly fact sheet outlining visitor expectations including appropriate hand hygiene and face coverings.
Visiting may take place indoors or outdoors (weather permitting) and be sensitive to the individual needs of each resident.
Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older.
Visitors must always adhere to Core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention.
Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention:
While not recommended, residents who are on transmission-based precautions or quarantine can receive visitors. Such visits should occur in the resident’s room and the resident must wear a well-fitting facemask (if tolerated). Before visiting such residents, visitors will be made aware of the potential risks of visiting and the precautions necessary to visit the resident. We may offer well-fitting face masks and other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) if available.
If a resident’s roommate is unvaccinated or immunocompromised (regardless of vaccination status) then visits will not be permitted in the resident’s room, if possible. Instead, if the immunocompromised resident or roommate is unable to leave the room, then Elm York will make all reasonable efforts to enable in-room visitation while adhering to the core principles of infection prevention.
Unvaccinated residents may choose to have physical touch based on preferences and needs. In such instances, Elm York must advise the resident and their visitor of the risks of such contact prior to the visit.
We will ensure the presence of adequate staff to allow for personnel to help with the transition of residents, monitoring of visitation, cleaning and disinfecting visitation areas after each visit and the screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to access.
Compassionate Care Visits
Compassionate care visitors will be allowed at all times. Compassionate Care Visits are permitted when visitation may not otherwise be permitted in accordance with the Department of Health’s current visitation guidance.
Compassionate care visits include:
Newly admitted residents with difficulty adjusting to the facility environment and lack of in-person family support.
Residents recently grieving the loss of a friend or loved one.
Residents who previously received in-person support and/or cueing from family for eating and drinking and are now experiencing dehydration and/or weight loss.
Residents who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of emotional distress including, but not limited to, seldom speaking or crying more frequently (when the resident had rarely cried in the past), refusing to participate in an activity or activities, staying in bed longer than usual, or exhibiting behavior considered abnormal for the individual.
Residents who receive religious or spiritual support from clergy or another layperson.
The situations above are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional compassionate care situations may be considered by the facility on a resident-specific basis.