When residents rights overlap...

Specialties Geriatric

Published

How long are visitors expected to wait outside the door before they can visit a resident?

Scenario: Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Black are roommates. Mrs. Black has the bed next to the window away from the door and Mrs. Smith has the first bed. Mrs. Black has visitors waiting outside but they cannot come in yet because Mrs. Smith is being taken to the bathroom. They waited a few minutes but now Mrs. Smith decided that she also wants to get ready for bed and a few minutes turn into half an hour. Is this right?

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Why couldn't Mrs Black come out and see her visitors in the common area?

It's never easy sharing a room, but there are always workable solutions.

Aren't there privacy curtains? I am not sure I understand what the wait is for.

Specializes in LTC.

This is why there are curtains and bathroom doors.

Why should a frail, nintety-some year old have to leave the comfort of her bed or room to visit?

Why couldn't Mrs Black come out and see her visitors in the common area?

It's never easy sharing a room, but there are always workable solutions.

Would Mrs. Black want to be seen by Mrs. Smith's visitors while she's getting ready for bed?

Specializes in OB/GYN/Neonatal/Office/Geriatric.

Tough one. Even though curtains are there, the rooms are usually small and you can hear everything going on. Visitors can feel uncomfortable in that situation. Maybe you should meet as a unit and discuss ideas and see what would be acceptable.

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Nowhere does it say Mrs Black is either frail or 90. Maybe she's a robust 64 year old with a new knee.

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