Our Visitation Policy

Policy Statement

Awaken Assisted Living Facility ensures safe, meaningful visitation for residents while fully complying with Florida Statutes 429.28(1)(d) and 408.823 ("No Patient Left Alone Act"). This policy promotes health, safety, and dignity while allowing both general and essential caregiver visitation under specified circumstances.

Visitation Guidelines
•	Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily.
•	Visitation outside these hours requires prior approval from the Administrator.


Visitors must:
•	Sign in and out at each visit
•	Complete a screening process
•	 Sanitize hands upon entry
•	 Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
•	Follow all hygiene and infection control protocols
•	Visitors exhibiting symptoms of illness (fever, cough, etc.) will not be allowed entry.
•	No firearms, weapons, or tobacco products are permitted on the premises.
•	Visitors must respect resident privacy and community rules.
•	Children must be always supervised by an adult.
Essential Caregiver Designation


Residents may designate up to three Essential Caregivers. These individuals provide emotional support and assistance in situations including but not limited to:
•	End-of-life care
•	Emotional distress or grief
•	 Major medical decisions
•	 Adjustment to new environment
•	 Eating, drinking, or communication support


Essential Caregivers:
•	 Must be documented in the resident’s record
•	 Must adhere to all infection control and safety procedures
•	 Will receive training and acknowledge understanding of facility policies
•	 Are guaranteed at least 2 hours of in-person visitation daily, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless otherwise objected to by the resident.


Visitor Suspension
•	Visitation may be suspended for any visitor who fails to comply with this policy. 

In such cases:
The Executive Director will document the reason for suspension
•	 Residents may select an alternate Essential Caregiver
Infection Control Compliance
•	All visitors are subject to the same safety measures as staff.
•	No proof of vaccination is required.
•	PPE requirements will match CDC guidance and facility status.



Required Forms
The following forms are required and must be kept on file:
1. Exhibit B: Essential Caregiver Designation Form
2. Exhibit C: Essential Caregiver Acknowledgement Form



These forms ensure that both the resident and designated caregiver understand and agree to the rights and responsibilities outlined in this policy.


AHCA Compliance
This policy is submitted to AHCA during licensing, renewal, or ownership change.
A copy of this policy is made available to AHCA upon request.
This policy is posted on the homepage of our facility’s website.


Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to maintain compliance with state regulations and infection control best practices.


Together, we ensure that no patient is left behind and all residents of Awaken ALF maintain essential, life-affirming connections with their loved ones.