VISITING
We are delighted that the Government is now easing social restrictions. This advice now enables a higher number of people to come together both in and outdoors. We can now make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, taking into consideration that close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
In our Home, residents are able to have as many visitors as they wish, who can visit regularly. There is no longer a requirement to complete a lateral flow test prior to the visit however we encourage this to help reduce risk and spread of infection. We endorse that you follow infection control measures socially acceptable in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses: continue to use a type II surgical face mask, good hand hygiene (or wear gloves), apron and maintain reasonable distancing, respiratory etiquette and practice frequent hand hygiene.
Visitors will no longer be required to show evidence of a negative Lateral Flow test on the day of the visit unless they provide some level of personal care to a resident e.g. Assisting with meals. Where possible we encourage evidence of a negative Lateral flow test to keep our residents and staff safe. We are happy to provide you with a Lateral flow test on request. We would ask you arrive 30 minutes before your visit. Lateral flow test should be registered on the government website utilising our Unique Organisation Number. Staff will be available to support with this process so please do not hesitate in asking.
Visits will continue to be scheduled via a diary system to support safe visits. This is no limit on how long visits can be scheduled for. Windows and doors will be kept open to help circulate air and reduce risk and spread of infection.
Visitors should not enter the care home if they are feeling unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated and have received their booster. Transmissible viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus can be just as dangerous to care home residents as COVID-19. If visitors have any symptoms that suggest other transmissible viruses and infections, such as cough, high temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting, they should avoid the care home until at least 5 days after they feel better.
Visitors and team members will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing personal care or supporting a resident at a close distance. All visitors inside the home must continue to wear a type II surgical facemask and this shouldn’t be removed unless this has been discussed with management.
Whilst in the resident bedroom, and providing that people remain socially distanced and there is proper ventilation in the room, facemask can be removed and resident and visiting party can enjoy a drink. Garden spaces can be made available for friends and family for visiting parties, family gathering would need to be booked and will involve a risk assessment.
Visits indoors away from the Care Home and overnight stays can be planned and, as long there isn’t any warning by the Director of Public Health for each locality, there will be no requirement to self-isolate on return to the Care Home or indeed, to take part on additional testing. A risk assessment would need to be completed as part of this process.