Dear Relatives,
We would like to thank you for your ongoing support of all our care homes and hard-working staff throughout the past year. It has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, and we recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on all those connected to our homes and within our local communities. We are now hopefully seeing a way back to normal and look forward to opening our doors fully in the coming months.
However, following the recent announcement by the government, we are pleased to advise that from Monday 12th April 2021 our care homes in England will be able to allow visits from 2 named visitors(subject to a negative Lateral Flow Test and PPE being worn). We will also be extending visiting into the weekends as long as it is booked in advance. Your care home will discuss with you the guidelines we need to follow for you to become a named visitor.
Furthermore, we are also delighted to announce that for the first-time visits can include a child or baby. Children under the age of 2 will not count towards the 2 named visitor quota. Clearly, visits involving children will need to be carefully managed and in agreement with the home manager. As per the guidance those over the age of 11 will need to wear PPE and be tested (with parental consent).
Another development in the new approach to visiting is the nomination of an ‘essential care giver’. The essential care giver role is intended as a way of supporting the relatively small proportion of our residents who need some element of care and support that could only ever be provided by someone with a unique personal relationship with the resident, perhaps formed over many years. It is likely that this person will already be part of the ongoing care plan for the resident. All this will be at the discretion of the manager and the care giver will be subject to the rigorous testing regime currently undertaken by our own staff. Please speak with your Home Manager for further details.
In summary from 12th April 2021 the new government guidelines for care home visits allow for;
1. 2 named visitors (see the guidance for help on how you could become a named visitor and what restrictions apply)
2. Children can also visit with those under the age of 2 not counted as part of the 2 named visitor quota (see the guidance for help and what restrictions apply)
3. A person can apply for essential carer status but this will need to assessed and agreed by the Home Manager and is subject to rigorous testing.
The Government guidance on care home visiting in England can be found HERE.
The Government guidance on care home visiting in Wales can be found HERE.
