Care visits are ‘still a lottery’ for loved ones
CAMPAIGNERS last night warned some care homes are still refusing visitors – as thousands looked forward to being reunited with loved-ones under new Government rules.
From April 12, residents will be allowed two regular guests.
But pressure group Care Campaign for the Vulnerable said getting visits under current rules had become a “lottery of compassion”.
It has had complaints from 250 families since rules were last altered three weeks ago.
Then, each care home resident was supposed to be allowed indoor visits from one individual. But many reported being refused Easter access today because there are not enough weekend staff.
Great-gran Lyn Frost, 77, said she felt suicidal and called the Samaritans after she was refused special access to her husband of 60 years Ray, 81.
He has Parkinson’s disease and dementia and is receiving end-of-life care at Beeston
View in Chester. But Lyn said the home denied her Essential Care Giver status, which would have allowed her to see her husband several times a week.
Care Campaign Director Jayne Connery said: “It’s becoming evident safe visits are at the discretion of the care provider and, sadly, families are telling us this is becoming a lottery of compassion.
“Many families are barely having any meaningful contact.”
Barchester Healthcare, which runs Beeston View, said staff “have been working hard” to facilitate visits.
A spokesman added: “Throughout the pandemic we have also continued to allow exceptional bedroom visits for end-of-life residents.”