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What Are the Rules for Nursing Home Visits?
Date Updated: December 20, 2024
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Understanding the rules for nursing home visits helps ensure residents' safety, health and emotional well-being. Learn more about the guidelines for nursing home visits as outlined by federal and state regulations.
What Are the Rules for Nursing Home Visits?
The rules for nursing home visits revolve around safety protocols, visiting hours and procedures for various interactions with residents. While specifics vary by facility, the goal remains the same: to maintain a safe, supportive environment that allows residents to connect with loved ones while upholding high care standards.
The Importance of Nursing Home Visits
Visiting a loved one in a nursing home plays a critical role in supporting their well-being. It offers emotional support, social interaction and a sense of connection. Regular visits help reduce loneliness and social isolation, which can lower the risk of depression, anxiety and stress. They also allow family members to stay involved in the care process, ensuring their loved ones receive the necessary attention and support.
Given the benefits of these interactions, federal regulations require nursing homes to promote visits by individuals close to the patient, including family, close friends, legal guardians and advocates.
Guidelines for Nursing Home Visits
Nursing homes must follow federal and state guidelines, including:
- Scheduled visits: Nursing homes must allow visitation at all times with prior notice. However, during busy times of the year, such as holidays, some facilities may recommend visitors schedule appointments to prevent overcrowding.
- Health screenings: Visitors may undergo temperature checks or health screenings before entering the premises.
- Personal protective equipment: Nursing homes may require visitors to use proper hand hygiene and masks or other protective gear, especially during periods of heightened health concerns.
- Time limits: Facilities can't limit the time or frequency of visits to residents.
A facility must have written policies and procedures regarding the visitation rights of residents, which can include reasonable restrictions or limitations regarding clinical needs or safety. Before visiting a nursing home, contact the facility to inquire about its visiting hours, guidelines and any rules it has in place.
Patient and Family Visitation Rights in Nursing Homes
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, Requirements for States and Long-Term Care Facilities, all nursing homes must follow guidelines related to residents' rights. Facilities must inform residents of their visitation rights and have written policies outlining limitations. Nursing home residents have the right to receive visitors at any time and without prior notice, so long as the visits don't infringe on other residents' rights. Facilities can't restrict visitors based on race, color, gender, religion or disability. All visitors should enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with resident preferences.
Should you have questions or concerns about resident rights, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in your state.