Updated Visitor Guidelines
Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities are currently advised to restrict visitors. Under these guidelines, residents will be able to visit with one family member or friend. The guidelines support visits between family members and residents of long-term care homes and seniors’ assisted living facilities while protecting vulnerable residents.
The visit with one designated family member or friend is part of a phased approach for the month of July. The guidelines will be reassessed in August to determine whether the policy can be expanded safely to include other family members or friends going forward, though there may be a limit to the number of visitors at a given time.
Visitor protocol
- Visits must be booked in advance.
- Visits will take place in specific “visiting areas,” which will be organized by each residence.
- Visits are not allowed if there is an active COVID-19 outbreak at the residence.
- Visits are not permitted if the visitor or resident are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.
- Visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, prior to every visit.
- All visitors are required to bring and wear a mask.
- Visitors must clean hands before and after visit.
- Visitors should maintain a distance of two arm lengths from others.
Essential visits
Health authorities and facility operators shall continue to support visitors for essential visits. Health Authority or Facility staff will determine if a visit is essential. Examples of essential visits include, but are not limited to:
- Visits paramount to the patient/client’s physical care and mental well-being, including as follows:
- Assistance with feeding mobility or personal care;
- Communication assistance;
- Assistance by designated representatives for persons with disabilities;
- Visits for supported decision making;
- Police, correctional officers and peace officers accompanying a patient/client for security reasons.
Essential visits shall be limited to one visitor per patient/client within the facility at a time (except in the case of palliative/end of life care). A visitor who is a child may be accompanied by one parent, guardian or family member.
Listen to “Policy and Right BC update on longterm care homes” on Spreaker.
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