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→The facility’s control of access
Can the facility ever deny access to people? Yes. The facility staff can deny access temporarily if there is a threat by that person visiting to the safety and well being of the resident, other residents or the staff or administration. However, this response has to be proportional to the actual circumstances, and recognizing that some conflict may be expected, especially when long <span class="noglossary">standing</span> issues have not being adequately addressed in the facility.
A 2012 Ministry of Health policy communiqué stresses the need for a balanced response, and sets out the needed steps to achieve that. ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1214]]) Specifically the Communiqué notes:
“It is recognized that family members and other visitors may be under considerable stress for a variety of reasons, and that a supportive and compassionate approach will be helpful in reducing anxiety.” ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1315]])
The BC Ombudsperson has found that the Ministry of Health and the health authorities have not provided necessary direction to Operators to ensure that the legislated rights of seniors in residential care to receive visitors are respected, and that people were being unfairly restricted. The BC Ombudsperson made recommendations to make the process fairer and more accountable.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1416]])
Efforts to restrict a visitor obviously will affect that individual, but in many cases, it can also be considered a form of retaliation against the resident. Retaliation against the resident when people are raising complaints or concerns is prohibited under the Regulations. ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1517]])
===Mechanisms to restrict some visitors===