During COVID-19, visiting those you care for in nursing homes has been a source of great frustration. The facilities have been limiting those who can visit because of the fear of spreading the virus, while allowing outside or drive-by visits.
Since November is National Family Caregivers Month, this is a good time to update you on the visitation rules updated by the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services).
No Outbreak
The facility is still recommended to limit the number of visitors per resident at one time as well al the total number of visitors in the facility.
Exceptions to Community lockdown rules: Compassionate care visits
Even when a facility is in lockdown, family members can request visits in the following exceptional situations:
1) When a senior has been recently admitted, to help adjust to his/her new environment, because the sudden lack of family can be a traumatic experience.
2) When the senior/resident is grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently passed away.
If a request for a Compassionate Care Visit is denied, it may be appealed through the ombudsman. Click here for more information on the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
There may be other rules, depending on the facility you are visiting. If you have questions about your particular state in our area, please visit the links below, knowing that the guidelines will continue to be updated.
If you have any questions about nursing home visits, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.
Sincerely,
Yahne
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
