The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that people will be able to visit relatives and friends in Care Homes for the first time since before the lockdown in March.
Guidelines issued today though say that to limit risk, where visits do go ahead, this should be limited to a single constant visitor, per resident, wherever possible.
This is in order to limit the overall numbers of visitors to the care home and the consequent risk of infection.
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.
Prior to visits being allowed in care homes in a local authority area, the director of public health will assess the suitability of a specified level of visiting guidance for that area taking into account relevant infection and growth rates says the guidelines.
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, 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.
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.”
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.
It is expected all care homes will still only relax visiting arrangements for specific individual needs and continue to take the health protection of the whole care home as their main objective, but those wishing to visit should speak to the care homes before a planned visit.
Care homes should support NHS Test and Trace by keeping a temporary record, including 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.
