Care homes welcome visits from loved ones
Easing of lockdown restrictions allows families ‘to hold hands’ once again
RESIDENTS at care homes across West Berkshire have been receiving indoor visits from loved ones as national lockdown restrictions begin to ease across the UK.
The Donnington, Bayford, Argyles and Thatcham Court House Bupa Care Homes have finally been able to welcome visitors in their rooms.
Bupa Care Home operations director Rebecca Pearson, said: “We understand how important time with loved ones is for our residents’ happiness and wellbeing, so we’re delighted to restart these visits.
“We know how much it means for families to hold hands, and the tremendous lift this gives everyone.
“Families are a big part of our community, so we are really pleased to be carefully reintroducing these visits again.”
Indoor visits will be managed safely in line with national government guidance.
Each resident can receive one nominated visitor, who will need to complete a lateral flow test that shows negative
before the visit.
Guests will also be provided the necessary PPE by the care home.
Visits will also be arranged in advance to manage the volume of people in the homes in line with social distancing guidelines.
The restrictions issued by the Government last year
required all care homes to follow strict guidelines on visiting, particularly as elderly residents are some of the most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
With cases falling across the UK over recent weeks, the Prime Minister announced a gradual easing of restrictions, which included restarting visits to care homes.
While guidance prevented face-to-face visits, the homes have been working hard to keep families connected during the pandemic.
The homes have installed a new warm and comfortable visiting pod fitted with screens to manage infection control.
They also offer window visits and regular phone and video calls to help families stay in touch.
“We have put in place a range of visiting options in line with guidelines so that families can stay connected, whilst keeping residents safe,” said Ms Pearson.
“We’ll continue with all of these, so residents can see more of their loved ones.
“Our teams have worked so hard, and I’m so proud of all our people who have been such heroes over the past year.
“They’ve shown professionalism, compassion and kindness and gone above and beyond to make residents smile.
“We know the past year has been difficult for families too, missing contact with loved ones as well as wanting us to keep them safe.
“Their support, trust and understanding has been hugely appreciated by us all.”