MIL is in a facility. When she first moved in 6 months ago, Covid restrictions were lifted for visitation but everyone had to be tested. However, with the numbers rising they placed the facility on restriction which meant no visitors(except hospice and MC residents to a 15 min visit). We agreed with this restriction and since we are part of MC we were still able to visit if and when needed along with other restrictions such as in apartment, masked etc. so she each visit after the holidays moved to 1 person, 15 minutes. We did get granted access for 30 mins on specific days when the MC director was not working. We just got word that as no recent resident cases have been reported, they are opening up visitation BUT you must bring your own rapid test to be completed there prior to your visit. I don’t think I would mind this protocol IF we can find at home rapid tests…they are hard to get your hands on here in NJ. So if you can’t find a test, you can’t visit……is that actually legal? Anyone else have similar Covid restrictions? Before anyone says…..at least you can visit, remember our elderly were months without families….I get it. I am not question the restrictions to keep everyone safe I am asking is a facility can require you to bring your own testing kit.
covidtests.gov
Be certain it is .gov. You will also be reimbursed by your insurance if you can find tests out there.
So sorry. This is a pandemic. I know they are attempting to keep your loved one, and the loved ones of others protected to the best of their ability; I know you appreciate that. I know it is all tough, and I surely do wish you the best.
Facilities are responsible for keeping our loved ones safe and they will make the rules that make it possible for them to do that. It is not a rule just for you, it applies to all.
Get your free rapid tests ordered from the government. In addition, order some online as health insurance companies are now required to reimburse for them.
The Kaiser Health News article I posted says:
"Asked for comment about the states’ recent actions, the federal agency said in a statement to KHN that “a state may require nursing homes to test visitors as long as the facility provides the rapid antigen tests, and there are enough testing supplies. … However, if there are not enough rapid testing supplies, the visits must be allowed to occur without a test (while still adhering to other practices, such as masking and physical distancing).”
I certainly hope that the Biden government will enforce what was said above. If there are resource requirements (vaccinations, boosters and tests) they have to be plentiful to get. Otherwise the requirement only puts a greater burden on people who are vaccinated and boostered but cannot find a test.
And yes, they are hard to get even in my low populated area. Seems they became available and then they weren't.
I was lucky that my Mom was gone before this all started. I feel for all of you that have gone thru all this. I will be so glad when everything can open up again. I live across from DE and they have gone back to masks everywhere. Don't think their fastfood places ever opened up for indoor dining.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2022/01/its-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov
COVIDtests.gov
California requires proof of vaccination, booster AND a negative test for all visitors through at least this month. San Francisco and LA counties require facilities to have visitor tests on hand, but that's not true in any other county.