I've worked in six nursing homes, and my mother has worked in even more nursing homes than me (I spent a lot of time in those nursing homes.) I have NEVER heard of a nursing home having such an archaic rule. In fact, in the time since I began working in nursing homes (I started in 2003), I have always been told that those who live in nursing homes have more rights than those who do not live in nursing homes (even if this does not always look to be true). The idea that someone might not be allowed to have visitors (unless the POA -- in this case the husband -- of the individual has set restrictions on who can visit a resident with dementia) just seems utterly ridiculous.
I currently worked on an alzheimer's unit as an aide, and we definitely encourage family to visit. We've even had had family members ask if they should visit less frequently, and we balk of the idea. Yes, some families can be super annoying. Yes, some of the residents can become frustratingly agitated (severe depression, more wandering/trying to get out, etc.) after their family members leave. However, people with dementia live in the current moment. They have a lot more happy moments when they have a lot more time with family members.
Also, I still think that the lady would have created those bonds even with other residents. Some people are just more touchy/feely or big on socialization. We have residents who are like that. One lady started making out with another man on the unit the day she came. She didn't usually make out with strangers, but she was an affectionate woman who was used to only living in such close quarters with her husband. I think the male resident was her husband in her mind. This resident's husband was visiting every day, and he was understanding of the fact that his wife was making out with a random guy. The husband has bigger problems, such as the deteriorating state of his wife, to focus so hard on her uncontrollable behavior.
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