Long-term care facilities now have greater flexibility allowing indoor visitation according to updated guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

These guidelines – in compliance with requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – expands the definition of “compassionate care visits” to not only refer to end-of-life situations. Indoor visitation is now allowed for residents who were living with their family before recently being admitted to a nursing home and are struggling with the change of environment and lack of physical family support, a resident who is grieving a friend or family member that has recently passed away, a resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, and a resident who is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently.

Facilities may still restrict visitation due to the COVID-19 county positivity rate, the facility or resident’s COVID-19 status, visitor symptoms, lack of adherence to proper infection control practices, or other relevant factors related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.