Like hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities tend to restrict tobacco use.
St. Francis Campus in Tiffin is tobacco-free, according to Deb Reamer, director of human resources; however, smokers can work on the campus.
Deb Sherick, executive director of marketing for Elmwood Care Centers, said the company policy varies from place to place. Employees do not need to be non-smokers.
"We have some facilities that have a smoke-free, campus-wide policy, while others have designated smoke areas. It just depends on the facility," she said.
Sally St. Clair, director of Volunteers of America's Autumnwood Care Center, said employees have a designated smoking area outside, but the company policy states smoking in any resident area is prohibited. She added the center has been a smoke-free building since 1992.
"We are required to inform all residents of this fact in case they are unable to live in a tobacco-free environment. Residents who are able to smoke independently and safely are able to utilize designated smoking areas on our property, but there are very few who fall into this category," St. Clair said.
- by MaryAnn Kromer, staff writer
