DSHS Dear Provider Letter Regarding LTC Visitation and Fitness Facilities  

DSHS Dear Provider Letter Regarding LTC Visitation and Fitness Facilities  

DSHS has clarified visitation standards and when an essentials support person is allowed to visit indoors under Proclamation 20-25.8. They have also provided clarification on the use of fitness facilities in phase 1 and 2. Below is a summary of the guidance, you can find the full Dear Provider letter here. 

Visitation Standards: 

 Proclamation 20-25.8, allows for the following visitation in long-term care settings: 

Phase 1  

Outdoor visitation is limited to 2 visitors per day. Indoor visitation is limited to:  

  • End of life (defined as “a sharp decline in health status”)
  • If resident is unable to participate in outdoor or remote visits, an essential support person is allowed to visit only once daily for a compassionate care reason 

Phase 2  

Outdoor visitation is limited to 5 people, including the resident, for an outdoor visit. Indoor visitation is limited to: 

  • End of life (defined as “a sharp decline in health status”)
  • If resident is unable to participate in outdoor or remote visits, an essential support person is allowed to visit only once daily for a compassionate care reason

Long-Term Care Fitness Facilities: 

Long-Term Care Fitness Facilities Long-term care facilities required to follow the “Safe Start for LTC” plans outlined in Proclamation 20-66, including those located within a community offering multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, nursing home), may continue to utilize their fitness facilities for all residents within the community. If the facility is used by both the LTC residents and the independent living residents within a community that has more than one level of care, the independent living residents may continue to use these amenities. When utilizing these facilities, the following guidelines are required:  

Phase 1 

  • Only 1 resident at a time in the room;
  • The resident wears all recommended PPE for the situation;
  • All equipment must be thoroughly sanitized between resident uses; and
  • If a staff member is in the room, they are more than 6 feet away or wear appropriate PPE to account for the increased respirations that occur during exercise.

Phase 2 

  • May have more than one resident in the room as long as there can be increased social distancing (beyond 6 feet) to account for the increased respirations that occur during exercise. No more residents in the room than allowed for group activities according to the “Safe Start for LTC” plan;
  • The resident wears all recommended PPE for the situation;
  • All equipment must be thoroughly sanitized between resident uses; and
  • If a staff member is in the room, they are more than 6 feet away or wear appropriate PPE to account for the increased respirations that occur during exercise.

 

Questions?

Contact:

Alyssa Odegaard- Vice President, Public Policy 

c: 206.948.2279

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