Family Presence and Visitation at SHA Facilities
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is committed to open and safe family presence in all facilities/homes. Most facilities/homes across the province no longer have pandemic restrictions and are able to have open family presence, with the exception of a small number of facilities/homes where enhanced precautions are deemed necessary by the local medical health officer.
What is Open Family Presence?
Open family presence means that patients and residents can choose the essential family/support persons they want to be with them while they are in hospital or long term care.
- There are no set “visiting hours” or time limits for their essential family/support person(s) as they are part of the patient/resident’s care team and are considered essential.
- Essential Family/support person’s actions support the patient/resident’s well-being and must not interfere with the care, rest or recovery of others.
Visitors are different from family/support persons.
- Visitors are not part of the patient/resident’s care team and are not considered essential. They are welcome to stop by, but will not have the same level of access as an essential family/support person.
Open Family Presence still has limits
At all times, SHA facilities/homes must remain safe.
Patients/residents are the experts on their own lives, needs and preferences, so it makes sense they will let us know who they want to provide in-person support and when. However, if someone’s presence disrupts well-being, rest and/or recovery, they can be asked to leave.
General visitors/social visits are not allowed 24/7.
Essential Family/Support person (s) enhance the care and well being of their loved ones as they:
- participate in decision-making with the resident/patient;
- serve as an essential part of the care team; and
- assist with quality of life or care needs.
Visitor (s) are people who:
- are not involved in the caregiving or decision-making; and
- provide a non-essential social visit.