The providers of Care homes have been warned not to impose blanketing visiting restrictions over Christmas, after campaign groups raised the alarm over some homes pausing or limiting visits
The Care Quality Commission warns that they have continued to investigate concerns we hear about potential blanket bans.
“ Our regulatory approach is risk based so that we can focus on providers where we have reason to be concerned. We continue to monitor providers where we have information regarding concerns about blanket bans.”
Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at CQC, said:
“The pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on many people and we know it has been particularly difficult for those who are living in care homes and their families and loved ones. It is important that people are able to spend time with their loved ones over the festive season, including Christmas Day and New Year.
She added:
We have received reports that some care homes have been issuing ‘general policy’ related to visiting. We expect providers to follow government guidance on visiting. This clearly sets out that all care home residents can choose to nominate an essential care giver who may visit the home to attend to essential care needs. The essential care giver should be enabled to visit in most circumstances, including if the care home is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 infections. Where we have any evidence that this is not happening, we will continue to take action.
