Visitation Policy

Florida Visitation Policy

Purpose

Sagora Senior Living is committed to supporting the well-being of residents by ensuring that visitation is allowed in accordance with provisions of Florida Statute 408.823, which mandates that certain visitors have access to residents even during public health emergencies or lockdowns.

Procedure

1. General Visitation Guidelines

a. Open Visitation: The community will allow visitation of residents in accordance with their wishes and needs. We ask that all Visitors sign in at the concierge desk. Visitors are allowed to visit the community regardless of vaccination status and do not need to provide proof of vaccination or immunization status.

In-person visitation is permitted regardless of the infection status with resident consent for the following circumstances:

End-of-life situations.
The resident who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care 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 died.
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 is seldom speaking.

b. Visitation Hours: While the community does not have set visiting hours, the outside doors are locked when not monitored. Visitors are to ring the doorbell or call the phone number posted at the door and a team member will respond. Please refer to the Resident Agreement for the Guest Policy on overnight stays.

Additionally, the community does not have a limit to the number of people allowed per visit, we ask that all visitors be considerate of the right to privacy of other residents in the community.

c. Resident Rights: Residents have the right to receive visitors and refuse visits at any time, as provided under their rights in Florida Statutes Chapter 429 and the community’s resident rights policies.

2. Designated Essential Caregivers

a. Selection: Residents may designate up to two essential caregivers who will be allowed access to provide essential care, even during lockdown or public health emergencies.

b. Frequency: Essential caregivers are permitted to visit for at least two hours each day, including during times of health-related restrictions.

c. Training and Screening: Essential caregivers may be required to undergo infection control training and will be subject to the same health screenings as staff, including temperature checks and health questionnaires.

3. Visitation During Public Health Emergencies:

a. Restricted Access: During a public health emergency, access to the facility may be limited to essential caregivers, end-of-life visitors, and legally authorized individuals, in compliance with F.S. 408.823.

b. Safety Protocols: Visitors will be required to comply with the facility’s infection control procedures, including wearing masks, hand sanitizing, and practicing physical distancing where appropriate.

4. Infection Control Measures:

a. Screening: We ask visitors to refrain from visiting if they have had a fever in the last 24 hours.

b. Protective Equipment: Personal protective equipment is encouraged for anyone that has exhibited symptoms of infection including but not limited to, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever. The community does have PPE available for purchase for visitors

6. Visitor Conduct:

a. Visitors must adhere to facility rules and staff instructions.

b. Disruptive or non-compliant behavior may result in the suspension of visitation rights, following notification to the resident and their legal representative.

7. Complaints and Grievances:

a. Residents and their families have the right to file a grievance if they believe visitation rights have been unfairly restricted.

b. Complaints can be submitted to the facility administrator or through the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

8. Responsibilities: The community Executive Director is responsible for all Team Members adhering to the Visitation Policy.