Family members will soon be able to visit loved ones in care homes across the Isle of Wight following the publication of new guidance by the Government today (Wednesday).
The isolating effects of lockdown have been difficult for residents and families, but the rate of community transmission has fallen and care homes can now arrange visits based on new guidance to limit further outbreaks, and protect staff and residents.
Simon Bryant, the local Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight Council, will lead assessments on visits across the Island. Simon and his team will be expected to take a measured, risk-assessed approach, considering the situation in specific care homes as well as the community context, including any local outbreaks.
The guidance says that care home providers should encourage all visitors to wear a face covering and to wash their hands thoroughly before and after putting it on and taking it off.
Visitors should wear appropriate further PPE depending on the need of their visit, including gloves and aprons. Providers should also consider whether visits could take place in a communal garden or outdoor area, which can be accessed without anyone going through a shared building.
To limit risk where visits do go ahead, this should be limited to a single constant visitor, per resident, wherever possible. This is to limit the overall number of visitors to the care home and the consequent risk of infection.
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, has said:
“I know how painful it has been for those in care homes not being able to receive visits from their loved ones throughout this period.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are now able to carefully and safely allow visits to care homes, which will be based on local knowledge and circumstances for each care home.
“It is really important that we don’t undo all of the hard work of care homes over the last few months while ensuring families and friends can be safely reunited so we have put in place guidance that protects everyone”.
Minister for Care Helen Whately said:
“The social care workforce has gone above and beyond during the pandemic and I am hugely grateful to everyone working in care homes for all they have done to protect residents and staff and help save lives during these challenging times.
“We know how important it is for families and friends to be able to visit their loved ones. This guidance sets out how families and residents can safely come together again”.
Care homes should support NHS Test and Trace by keeping a temporary record, including the address and phone number, of current and previous residents, staff and visitors as well as keeping track of visitor numbers and staff. It is recommended they have an arrangement to enable bookings or appointments for visitors – ad hoc visits should not be permitted.
Professor Jim McManus, Vice President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said:
“We know it is incredibly difficult to be separated from loved ones but the restrictions were essential to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This new guidance will support directors of public health, working with directors of adult social care and the local care sector, to take a risk-based approach to enabling visits where possible whilst trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to – and between – care home residents, staff and the wider community”.
