5 Questions to Ask About Visiting Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Homes

Nursing facilities and assisted living homes are working towards allowing in-person visits for families in Alaska as COVID-19 restrictions ease. These visits will be different than before the pandemic, at least for awhile. There may be limits on when, where and for how long you can see loved ones. Physical distancing rules will also be in place.
AARP has developed some key questions to ask facilities — and yourself — about when and
how visitation might resume.

1. What is the facility doing to help make it safe for visitors to come back?

• Has the facility met the State of Alaska guidelines for allowing visitors?
• Has it gone at least 28 days without a new COVID-19 case?
• Are cases declining in the surrounding community?
• Have all residents and staff been tested for COVID-19?
• Does the facility have enough staff?
• Are there adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting products?
• Are there plans to permit outdoor visits before allowing indoor visits?

2. What kinds of health checks will be required for visitors?
Is the facility following federal guidelines for visitor screening, including:

• Checking visitors’ temperatures?
• Asking about COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure?
• Observing visitors for any symptoms or signs of infection

3. Are visits restricted by time and place?

• Do I need to make an appointment with the facility to visit a loved one?
• Will visiting hours be restricted, or individual visits time-limited?
• Can I request a schedule for when I can visit my loved one on a regular basis?
• Can I go to my loved one’s room, or are visits limited to designated areas inside (or outside) the facility?

If you are denied a visit with your loved one, call the Long Term Care Ombudsman, 1-800-730-6393.

4. What protective and social-distancing measures are in place, in accordance with federal guidelines?

• Do I have to wear a mask? Will the facility provide one for me?
• Is hand sanitizer available on-site, or do I need to bring my own?
• Do I have to stay 6 feet from my loved one?
• Can I bring food or gifts for my loved one?

5. Are you doing everything possible to minimize risks to residents?

• Don’t visit if you feel ill, even if the symptoms are mild.
• Don’t visit if you’ve had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous two weeks.
• Keep visits short — and stay outdoors, if possible.
• Consider a virtual visit instead.

Resources
AARP Nursing Homes Information: aarp.org/nursinghomes

AARP Coronavirus Information: aarp.org/coronavirus

How Employers can Support Working Caregivers: aarp.org/employercaregiving

AARP Caregiving Resource Center & Family Caregiver Support Line (English): aarp.org/caregiving or call 877-333-5885

Nursing Facility visitation guidelines: Click here

Assisted Living Home visitation guidelines: Click here

Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman: akoltco.org