Nursing Home Visitation Update - May 22, 2023
The New York State Department of Health has issued an update related to Nursing Home Visitor Testing and Screening for COVID-19.
A copy of the New York State Department of Health Advisory is available here for viewing.
The recent New York State guidance aligns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Visitation Guidance. While testing is not required, the guidance allows for nursing homes to continue visitor testing and active screening at their discretion.
We have carefully evaluated our policies, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State Department of Health guidelines to ensure that the Long Island State Veterans Home continues to provide the safest environment for our residents, employees, families, volunteers and visitors while following the core principles of infection prevention.
Based upon the current COVID-19 hospital admissions levels, we have made the determination that there will be no visitor testing requirements at this time.
Although COVID-19 testing is no longer required, we do ask that you continue to adhere to the core principles of infection prevention, including:
- If you are sick, please do not visit. Please consider deferring non-urgent, in-person visits if you have a positive test for COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms of the virus or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive;
- Following hand hygiene protocols, which includes using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled or washing with soap and water;
- Maintaining physical distance where practical;
- Test kits will continue to be available for visitors who would like to test prior to visiting their loved one;
- We encourage all visitors to be vaccinated, and boosted when eligible, to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, as well as to reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.
Visiting Information:
- Visitors are still required to be actively screened at the information desk. Visitors will have their temperature taken and a healthcare screening questionnaire will be completed.
- After screening, all visitors should report directly to the resident room or designated visiting location. It is recommended that your visit is conducted in these designated spaces.
- Due to social distancing requirements (physical distancing of at least six feet), no more than two visitors per resident are allowed for an in-room visit.
- If a resident or a visitor requests additional individuals to be present, facility staff will offer alternative visiting space, if available.
- Weather permitting, outdoor visitation is encouraged.
- Outdoor visitation will take place in the front of the building and pond area.
- Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
- All visitors should physically distance (maintain separation of at least six feet) from other residents and other visitors.
- Outdoor visitation for COVID Exposed Units will take place in the center courtyard.
- Please remember to notify a member of the nursing staff if you are taking a resident off the unit for an outdoor visit.
Due to space limitation in our multi-purpose room and physical distancing requirements, visitors may be restricted from attending some indoor therapeutic recreation activities.
If you have any questions, please contact the Administration Office at 631-444-8606 or the Social Work Department at 631-444-8545.
Visitation on COVID Exposed Units
Visitation on COVID Exposed Units is allowed but highly discouraged until the end of the quarantine (exposure) period.
As per New York State Department of Health guidance, visitation will remain open, however we must caution all visitors that when we are in an outbreak investigation due to positive test results among staff and residents, and you are at increased risk for exposure to COVID-19 when visiting at this time.
Visitors will be provided with proper personal protective equipment and infection prevention education.
Hand hygiene is required prior to and after each visit. Please perform hand hygiene using the alcohol-based hand sanitizer located throughout the facility
Visits may occur in resident rooms on the exposed units.
Please note that only two visitors may be in the resident's room at any time.
Due to COVID infection control protocols, residents who are currently positive for COVID are not permitted to leave their room.
Residents who reside on a COVID Exposed Unit and are not positive for COVID are permitted to have outdoor visitation in the center courtyard. Please maintain social distancing from any other residents, families, volunteers and staff members.
Visitation is contingent on compliance with these guidelines. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.