The Meridian at Waterways Visitation Policy

PURPOSE: To ensure that Residents maintain their independence to associate with others while living in a community setting. 

POLICY: Our community ecognizes that family and human connections are one of the most important aspects of physical, mental, and emotional well-being for an individual and that MSL residents who desire it are allowed the right to see their relatives and friends while maintaining community health and safety standards. The community’s Executive Director (or trained designee) will monitor and direct the training and implementation of all aspects of the visitation policies and procedures, including staff adherence to policy and procedure. 

PROCEDURES: Types of Visits allowed: In-person visitation during normal visiting hours (9a-9p at minimum, visitation outside of normal visiting hours will be permitted if the resident desires) will be encouraged in all social, family, or professional situations, and allowed in the following special situations, unless the resident objects: 

• End-of-life care. 
• A resident who was living with family before moving in and is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support. 
• The resident is making one or more major medical decisions. 
• A resident is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently passed away. 
• A resident needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver. 
• A resident who used to talk and interact with others seldom speaks. 
• A resident designated essential caregiver (family member, friend, guardian, or other individual prior identified as an essential caregiver) is requested by the resident. Visitation requirements: For the safety of residents, staff and visitors, individuals visiting the community will be required to: 
• Sign a visitation log (this is to ensure that, in case of an emergency, staff know how many people need to be accounted for). 
• Follow all community policies and procedures required of residents and/or staff, including requirements for personal protective equipment, when appropriate (for example: restrictions required by State or Local Departments of Health for quarantine, wearing of masks, etc.).

Visitation recommendations: To help ensure that resident rights and preferences are adhered to, and community decorum is maintained: 

• Groups of visitors for an individual resident shall be limited to four (4) individuals unless prior notice is given to community management or special accommodation is made (for example: birthday parties, etc.). 
• Resident preferences for physical contact are respected (e.g.: hugging, etc.). 
• Resident preference for duration of visits will be honored 
• Visitors will not be required to show or provide proof of vaccination or immunization status.