In-Resident Room & In-Apartment Family Visitation Guidelines
The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) released guidance on how to safely conduct in-resident room and in-apartment family visitation.
Please note that in-resident room and in-apartment visits are contingent on the status of COVID-19 cases in the residences. Federal and state guidelines does not recommend in-resident room and in-apartment visitation if a resident or staff member tests positive within a unit due to the potential risks of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Who is allowed to receive in-resident room or in-apartment visits?
All residents may receive in-room or in-apartment visits. However, per federal and state guidelines, residents with active or suspected COVID-19 infections as well as any residents who are under quarantine are not recommended to receive any in-person visitors due to the potential risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
Who can visit residents in their rooms or apartments?
Family visitors may visit residents in their room or apartment as long as they pass the COVID-19 screening prior to entry.
When can in-resident room or in-apartment visits occur?
Eligible family visitors are encouraged to enter the building during designated times each day when staff are available to screen visitors. They may stay as long as the resident wants. Visits outside these regular hours can be made with advance notice.
Will family visitors undergo screening?
Eligible family visitors must confirm their vaccination status including date of their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible family visitors must also pass a temperature check and screening questionnaire at the start of the visit. Family visitors must fit the following criteria to be able to visit:
- Do not feel ill
- Free of symptoms of COVID-19 infection including fever ≥ 100.0° F, shortness of breath, sneezing, chest pain or pressure, cough, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, chills, uncontrolled shaking, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Come from households without COVID-19 symptoms listed above
- No close contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 15 days
What is the protocol before and during the in-room or in-apartment family visit?
Upon entry into the residence, family visitors may be provided a visitor badge that they must display prominently while in the building. They will also be given a mask. Visitors must wear a mask at all times while in the building. Family visitors must proceed and stay in the resident’s room at all times or as directed by staff. Use of common areas on the unit is prohibited.
What happens if there is a positive case of the virus in the residence?
Per regulatory guidelines, in-person visitation of any kind is not recommended when there is an outbreak, defined as at least one positive case of a staff member or resident. We strongly encourage you to schedule a family video call using our website at https://chelseajewish.org/schedule-a-time as a safer alternative. Virtual visits will continue to be available to our residents and families.
What happens if a family visitor develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 within 2 days of visiting?
All family visitors must contact the residence if they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within 2 days of visiting, per regulatory guidelines. They must be prepared to state the date of their visit and any individuals in the residence they were in contact with during that time.