It’s been a long time coming, but in line with government guidelines, every resident at Coate Water Care’s nine residential homes will be allowed one regular indoor visitor as of March 8.
The scheme will allow a single visitor to hold hands indoors with their relative or contact in a care home, and make repeat visits under carefully designed conditions to keep residents, staff and visitors safe.
Every resident will have the opportunity to name one individual, who will be required to have a test beforehand, wear PPE during the visit and avoid close contact.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I know how important visiting a loved one is and I’m pleased we will soon be in a position for people to be carefully and safely reunited with loved ones who live in care homes.”
Restrictions on visits have been in place during national lockdown to protect vulnerable residents. While coronavirus cases remain high, the number of infections is falling. The UK’s vaccination programme has seen every care home resident offered a jab, with almost 17 million vaccinations carried out in total.
Outdoor, pod and screen visits will be able to continue in line with the published guidance which has been in place during lockdown, meaning there will be chances for residents to see more than just the one person they nominate.
Geraldine Smith, CEO Coate Water Care, says: “One of the hardest things during this pandemic has been seeing families desperate to be reunited with their loved ones kept apart and we absolutely want to bring them back together.”
“I know how much our residents are looking forward to visits from their chosen loved one, and hopefully this is the first stage in getting things back to normal as soon as possible. Our dedicated staff have done their very best to care for the residents and keep their spirits up, but there’s nothing quite like a visit from your partner, children or grandchildren.”
If you would like more information on visiting guidelines please call the individual Coate Water Care home or our Welcome Team on 01793 821200.
