Infectious Disease

Infectious Disease Update: Safety Protocols

Message from our Administrator

The Masonic Home of Florida community is pleased to announce a more straightforward protocol that enables us to safely spend quality time with family and friends on campus and in the larger community. We are thankful to be on the other side of last year’s challenges. We are adding additional opportunities to enrich the lives of residents while continuing to be vigilant in following precautions in compliance with infection control and safety guidelines as directed by the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visitation Guidelines (Effective July 11, 2024)

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Masonic Home of Florida to encourage in-person resident visitation while maintaining infection control protocols. Our guidelines are in compliance with directives from the Florida Department of Health and the CDC.

Policy Interpretation and Implementation

The Masonic Home fully supports the resident’s right to make choices regarding aspects of their life that are significant to them as an individual. All residents and visitors are advised of the risks associated with visitation and the rules associated with conducting these visits in a manner that does not place other residents at risk. A resident may deny or withdraw consent for visits at any time.

Indoor Visitation:

1. Indoor visitation is allowed at all times for residents with no limitation on the length of the visit or the number of visitors a resident may have at one time.
   1. Due to resident care schedules and the safety of all our residents, the suggested visiting times are as follows:
      1. Monday – Friday: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
      1. Saturday – Sunday: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

• Visits must be conducted in a manner that complies with core principles of infection prevention listed below;
  • Visitors who hve, symptoms of Infectious Disease, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine should not enter the home.
  • Visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination/immunization status.
• • Visitors must use hand hygiene (hand sanitizer) when entering the center and after contact with a resident.
  • Physical distancing of 6’ is preferred. However, consensual physical contact is allowed between a resident and a visitor.
  • Visitors are required to wear a standard facemask if they exhibit signs of an infectious disease, in any resident room who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission, or visitng a resident whose treating practitioner has diagnosed the resident with a condition affecting the immune system.
  • The Masonic Home allows for in-person visitation in all the following circumstances, unless the resident, client, or patient objects:
  • End-of-life situations.
  • A resident, client, or patient who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
  • The resident, client, or patient is making one or more major medical decisions.
  • A resident, client, or patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
  • A resident, client, or patient needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
  • A resident, client, or patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.

Screening:

1. Per CDC and Florida Department of Health Guidance routine screening is no longer required upon visiting a resident. Screening would be completed should the county transmission rate reach the “High” category or if the home was in Outbreak status with the county department of health..
2. Use of masks and other PPE are not routinely required, the home will advise of any change in Mask/PPE protocols due to county transmission rates or outbreak status through email and posted notices at the reception area.
3. Visitors are required to report any symptoms of Infectious Disease
4. Visitation may be refused if the individual(s) exhibits symptoms of infectious disease.

During your visit: 

1. Visits in the resident room are preferred, however, common areas such as the lobby, library, recreation room or ice cream shop are appropriate as long as physical distancing from other residents is maintained. Visitors are allowed in the dining room and during resident activities with some restrictions. You may visit outside on the front porch.

• Visitors are encouraged to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after the visit and before and after any contact with the resident.

Post Visit:

For the protection of all our residents, all visitors must immediately inform the facility if they develop a fever or symptoms consistent with any infectious disease or test positive for an infectious disease within fourteen (14) days of a visit to the facility.

Adherance to Visitation Policies:

The administrator is responsible for overall adherance to the visitation policy. Staff have been educated and a copy of the policy is located at the reception desk.