New Missouri guidelines to allow indoor visits at some nursing homes
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The state released revised guidelines for nursing homes and assisted living facilities that will allow more inside visits.
Gov. Mike Parson's office on Thursday said facilities should already have a policy in place outlining how visitors can safely contact their loved ones.
The new guidelines are not required, but an option for facilities to adopt.
Parson's office outlined the importance of visiting love ones, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have worked hard to strengthen our prevention and mitigation strategies in long-term care facilities, and we understand the importance of spending time in-person with families and caregivers. These visits serve as an important part of residents’ overall well-being," Parson said in a news release.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams also sent out guidelines for nursing homes to allow visits.
Under the new guidelines any facility, regardless of COVID-19 status, may allow outdoor visits and general visits if they follow the infection control procedures. The guidelines stated indoor visits must be in a room that can be accessed without other visitors passing through, unless the resident is bed-bound for health reasons.
All visitors to private rooms must be in full protective gear, including a gown, mask and gloves.
The state now allows residents to designate up to five visitors. Two visitors can visit at once if they follow the 6-foot social distancing requirements.
Jenny Hollandsworth, from the state long-term care Ombudsman Program, said this is a win for residents and their families.
"Social isolation has been a big struggle for long-term care residents especially during the pandemic, and Ombudsman has encouraged residents and families to use skype, zoom and phone calls to stay connected as much as possible." she said.
Dr. Williams said these changes mostly came from citizen requests and changes the state has seen in care facilities statewide.
"We feel like we are in a very different place with our long-term care facilities then we were in April or May," he said.
