03/12/2020

Communicating Visitor Restrictions

Communicating Visitor Restrictions

Members can expect another daily report featuring a FAQ document on COVID-19 in Ohio later today, but we wanted to share some tools to help assist with communicating visitor restrictions to your residents, staff, families, and the public. 

As reported yesterday by LeadingAge Ohio, Governor DeWine issued an executive order that limits visitors to Ohio nursing homes and assisted living facilities as a safety measure to protect vulnerable Ohioans from the spread of COVID-19. 

Governor DeWine and Director Acton announced that:

• Residents will be limited to one visitor per day;
• The visitor is required to undergo a basic health exam, including temperature testing; and
• Facilities will have to maintain a log of visitors. 

We are aware than many members have chosen to install stronger limitations, up to restricting all visitation. Members in affected counties should be aware that CMS has issued stronger guidance for affected areas.  

We are encouraging all members to properly advertise these limitations on websites, social media accounts, and potentially posting signs on doors. This will better educate residents, staff, families, and the public on the visitation restrictions at your organization and why they are so important.

LeadingAge Ohio has provided sample text to add to your website homepage (feel free to alter as needed):

Attention All Visitors: The priority of [ORGANIZATION] is the health and wellness of individuals we serve and the staff who serves them.  As a result, [ORGANIZATION] is adhering to Governor DeWine's executive order and state and federal health authority guidance on visitor restrictions. Should a visitor be permitted, each must complete a basic health screening, including a temperature check, and we will keep a log of all visitors who enter our community. Thank you for your partnership in making the safety of our residents the first priority. Please direct all questions on these temporary safety measures to [STAFF MEMBER CONTACT].

We have also provided a graphic to share on your organization's social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc) that is available for download. It has also been posted to LeadingAge Ohio's Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

Please send all questions to COVID19@leadingageohio.org or to individual LeadingAge Ohio staff.