From today, Monday 8th March the government has announced that care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor as part of the lockdown easing process. For many who have missed out on seeing loved ones during this time, this new announcement is incredibly welcome. But what exactly does the new rule mean and how will it affect those visiting care homes?
Can I Visit a Care Home?
The good news is that as part of the new lockdown easing measures the government has said that each care home resident will be allowed one visitor. However, there are some more specific rules than this that it is important to remember. Individual care homes will also asses the safety of their residents and put in place their own rules regarding care home visits so it is important you work with the care home to arrange any visits in advance.
How Many People Can Visit the Care Home?
Although we have already mentioned that only one person can take part in the care home visit, you may be wondering if the care home visitor can be different each time as long as there is only ever one person present. The new rules stipulate that the visitor to the care home must remain the same throughout these restrictions and must remain unchanged. Therefore, although it is difficult, you must decide between you and your loved ones which one person will be allowed to visit your loved one until restrictions ease further. In exceptional circumstances, care homes may be allowed to admit more than one visitor but this will depend on the circumstances and the care home’s judgement.
How Will the Care Home Visit Happen?
Although each care home will have its own visiting procedures in place, the general rule is that the visitor will be required to have a covid test before entering the home which must come back negative. They will then be required to wear PPE throughout their visit and avoid any close contact with anyone within the home. The new rules mean that you can hold hands with your friend or relative within the care home as long as you are wearing the PPE and avoid any unnecessary contact. Each of these points has been put in place to protect care home residents from the threat of an infection being introduced from outside of the care home.
Can My Family Still do Window Visits?
Whilst indoor care home visits are restricted to one continuous person, outdoor or window visits to care homes are still allowed to continue as they were before. These can be arranged with each individual care home and can be a great way for friends and family to keep in touch with care home residents whilst visits are restricted.
Still have Questions About the New Care Home Visiting Rules?
If you have any questions about the new rules and how they will affect you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of care home professionals here. Each care home will have individual rules regarding care home visits during this time so it is important you contact the care home directly to find out exactly what their rules are and to arrange a visit.
