Getting things Don Anne’s Law beats family isolation

One of the most distressing parts of the Covid pandemic for many people was the isolation felt by many residents in care homes.

In a well-meaning attempt to keep residents safe and stop the spread of the Covid virus to those who were most at risk, rules were put in place to reduce the number of visitors who were allowed to meet their relatives.

In the most severe cases no visitors at all were allowed.

Although many people may have felt a sense of isolation during the various Covid lockdowns at least most other people were able to get out and about, even for short periods of time.

Whether it was a nod to a passing stranger or the chance to have a socially distanced chat with friends and family, most of us could use our exercise period to stretch our legs and have the chance to talk to someone outside our immediate household.

There was also the alternative of phoning friends or using online meeting tools like Zoom or Teams but what if you were hard of hearing and had no idea about how to use computers, laptops and thought tablet was a sugary treat rather than a communication tool!

As the lockdown periods continued it was clear to everyone that the lack of human connection, especially with friends and loved ones, was having a serious impact on everyone’s wellbeing.

Many of us know how difficult it was being stuck at home.

But how much worse would a lockdown be if you had no one with you and you didn’t know when it was going to finish?

Yet for care home residents, this connection with family and friends was vital.

Especially so for those with conditions such as Alzheimer’s where it was difficult enough to maintain relationships and even short breaks from visiting felt like you were losing valuable time with a relative before they lost all recognition of who you were.

The pain for these residents and their families must have been unbearable.

That is why I am so pleased that the Scottish Government has fast tracked Anne’s Law (named after the mother of someone who raised this issue with the Scottish Parliament).

Although we still have to wait for the legislation to come through, the Scottish Government has updated the Health and Social Care Standards for care homes, giving residents the right to visitors – even throughout a period of restrictions (such as Covid lockdowns).

In addition they will be able to name one or more individuals who can directly help meet their care needs. Family and friends aren’t just visitors, they play an essential caring role looking after the interest of care home residents as well as improving their wellbeing and mental health.

I am sure this will be welcomed by everyone who lives in a care home or visits one.