FINALLY! Care home visits set to start again

RESIDENTS of Scotland’s care homes will finally be able to see their loved ones under plans expected to be unveiled this week.

Many elderly Scots have not been able to see family and friends for almost a year due to the restrictions imposed to tackle coronavirus.

But they will soon be able to name one or two designated visitors who will be allowed in to see them.

Ministers are expected to give the green light this week in what will be a huge boost for many of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

It is understood there will not be a specific date given for when indoor visiting will be allowed to restart.

But care homes have been told the criteria they will need to meet so relatives can be allowed in once more. Residents must be vacci- deadly, nated more than three weeks previously, giving time for immunity to kick in, and the care homes must have robust procedures for PPE, testing and social distancing.

It is hoped the vast majority will meet the requirements before the one-year anniversary of the start of the first lockdown in March.

Donald Macaskill, chief executive of sector representative body Scottish Care, said: ‘We are anticipating, and our members have been made aware, that there is likely to be an issue of new guidance this week.’

He admitted there are growing concerns about the impact of social isolation on residents.

Dr Macaskill said: ‘In the early stages of the pandemic the major concern was the risk from the virus. We now know there are a substantial number of other risks just as such as the risk of not being in contact with family, and not having that relationship. There is a growing sense of urgency.

‘We will have failed if the vast majority of care homes are not able to have indoor visiting by the first anniversary.’

Campaigners say that the ban on seeing loved ones has been ‘excruciating’ for residents.

Adam Stachura, head of policy at charity Age Scotland, said: ‘Residents and their families have really struggled with the lack of contact for almost a year now.

‘Relatives have been crying out for an opportunity to visit a loved one indoors, with safety precautions in place, as they have grown increasingly concerned about the negative impact on their health and wellbeing of a prolonged and painful separation. Their wait has been excruciating.’

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘While protecting our most vulnerable has always been the priority, many will have not seen their relatives in care facilities for almost a year and be desperate for some physical contact.

‘This will represent a hugely positive step forward in improving the mental health of our elderly and will, at last, provide them with long overdue family time.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are acutely aware of the importance of visits for the wellbeing of residents and their friends and family.’

He added that the Scottish Government was ‘working to finalise guidance to support increased contact between care home residents and their loved ones.’

‘Residents and families have really struggled’