Home truths
Restrictions lifted but families still hit by cruel curbs on visits
THERE were joyful reunions yesterday as restrictions on care home visits were officially lifted – but for many families the misery of separation continued.
Visitors can now, in theory, call in unlimited numbers after two years of Covid rules keeping them away.
But outbreaks are still locking down entire homes, while some are not opening up as rules allow.
Bethany Robinson said it is “so misleading” for the Government to declare there is now no limit to visits.
Bethany, 32, from Telford, Shrops, is still the only one permitted to visit mum Sheila, 71, who has dementia.
She said: “Everyone seems to think it’s back to normal. It’s not the case.”
Linda Embleton, 72, from Nottingham, told the Mirror “our nightmare goes on” because a care home worker tested positive.
Linda says she has been denied essential caregiver status, meaning she can’t see mum Hilda. She said: “Mum is on the phone sobbing: ‘Please, please come in’. Mum, the oldest in her home, is registered blind.
“My brother is in the same home, he’s 78 and they can’t see each other.”
A disappointed Graham Barlow visited dad George, 94, in Urmston, Manchester, yesterday.
He had hoped George’s eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren might soon be able to visit.
But the manager has kept the rule of three named visitors, meaning only George’s grown-up children can visit. For others it was a happier story. Steph Waterhouse threw open her arms as she was reunited with her mother-in-law yesterday after three months apart. Enid Waterhouse, 81, had previously been allowed only three designated visitors including her son Tim, who followed Steph in to see his mum.
Gez Ossai, manager of Wentworth Court in Cheltenham, Glos, said: “It was emotional.”
John Cooke, 88, in a home in Weybridge, Surrey, was reunited with his friend of 45 years, Val Gadd, 75, finally without a screen and masks.
Mr Cooke said the lifting of visitor rules was “very good”.
Christine Rogers, 93, also in Weybridge, said the rule change was “absolutely wonderful” and is looking forward to visits from her family who always “bring lovely things”.
Jenny Morrison, of campaign group Rights for Residents, says they “remain fearful” for residents in homes not following guidance to relax visiting. In other changes, homes should follow outbreak management rules for 14 days, not 28.
Self-isolation will be cut to 10 days for those who test positive and isolation for those in care following an emergency hospital visit is being cut to 10 days.
From February 16 staff will be asked to use lateral flow tests before shifts instead of weekly PCRs. Visitor rules vary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Everyone seems to think it’s back to normal. It’s not the case
BETHANY ROBINSON WHOSE MUM IS IN A HOME