Visiting Policy

Updated to reflect current Ministry and Public Health guidelines

At Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH), we know how important visits from family and friends are to our residents’ health and happiness. That’s why we welcome visitors while also working to keep everyone safe — especially during times of illness in the community.

Our visiting policy follows the Residents’ Bill of Rights, the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, and guidance from the Ministry of Long-Term Care and Public Health Ontario.

General Visiting Guidelines

  • No set visiting hours — visitors are welcome at any time, unless limited by a health directive.
  • All visitors must complete a passive screening when entering the home.
  • Please sign in at the front desk, clean your hands, and wear a mask if advised.
  • Do not visit if you have symptoms of illness or have been around someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days.

If you’ve been sick but feel better, you may visit after 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), but must wear a mask and check in with our nursing staff first.

Infection Prevention

To protect our residents:

  • Please wash your hands frequently and follow all posted signs.
  • Follow staff instructions for personal protective equipment (PPE) if required.
  • Masking is encouraged during peak illness times but not mandatory.
  • Masks are always available at the entrance for anyone who wishes to wear one.

Types of Visitors

Essential Visitors
These are the only visitors allowed during an outbreak or when a resident is isolating. They include:

  • Caregivers: Chosen by the resident or substitute decision maker to help with care.
  • Support workers: Such as healthcare professionals, maintenance staff, or inspectors.
  • Compassionate visitors: Those visiting a resident who is seriously ill or at end-of-life.

General Visitors

  • Visit for social reasons, companionship, or tours.

Cannot visit during an outbreak or if a resident is in isolation.

Visitor Limits

  • No limit to the number of visitors during regular times.
  • During an outbreak or resident isolation, limits apply:
    • Essential Visitors: Max of 2 at a time.
    • End-of-life care: Up to 4 in a private room, or 2 in a shared room (plus clergy).

Outdoor Visits

  • Outdoor visits are allowed if the resident is not isolating or in an outbreak area.
  • No masks are required outdoors, but residents must be signed out if leaving the patio area.

Dining with Residents

Visitors may join a resident during meals. Please:

  • Wash hands before and after the meal.
  • Follow all posted dining area rules.

If You Can’t Follow the Rules

To keep everyone safe:

  • Visitors must follow NHNH policies and infection control practices.
  • If there are concerns, staff will meet with you to review expectations and provide support or education.
  • Repeated non-compliance may result in temporary suspension of visits, as decided by the Director of Care.

Communication

  • NHNH will notify residents and their families/substitute decision makers about outbreaks or isolation measures.
  • It is the responsibility of the resident or their contact to inform designated caregivers.
  • A copy of this policy is posted at the main entrance and is available upon request.

Questions?

We’re here to help. Please speak to a staff member if you have any questions about our visiting policy, safety measures, or how to support a loved one.

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