A TOUCH OF COMPASSION

More relatives and friends can visit care homes for longer and physical contact will be permitted

VISITING restrictions in Scotland’s care homes are to be relaxed, the Health Secretary has announced. Previously, just one person was able to visit relatives because of Covid-19 rules. However, Jeane Freeman announced during yesterday’s coronavirus briefing that more people will be permitted soon. Up to six people from two households will be able to pay visits of up to one hour, while indoor visits will also be extended from 30 minutes to four hours. Touching, including the holding of hands, will also be allowed as long as hygiene measures are in place. Freeman said: “Having spoken to care home relatives, I know how much they appreciate and will comply with these infection prevention measures, precisely because of the love they have for their family member.”

The Scottish Government published the new guidelines online with a checklist for the phased return of visiting.

There is no date on the change for individual premises, leaving it for care homes to work through and agree when ready.

The rules allow for personal interaction, provided it’s agreed by the home and takes place in residents’ rooms. Contact will be allowed after training on the correct use of protective clothing.

Family pets and “therapy animals” will be allowed inside and outside if agreed with the home.

Visitors can also bring gifts and belongings to residents, after permission is received. Freeman added: “We know how difficult visiting restrictions have been and it is only natural after six months of lockdown restrictions that care home residents and their loved ones will want to see and interact with each other as much as possible. The Scottish Government has been actively working with Scottish Care and other care home stakeholders on a staged approach to reintroduce visiting in care homes in as safe a way as possible, while Covid-19 remains in Scotland.

“This latest guidance has been developed with input from family members, carers and clinicians to offer greater flexibility in visiting arrangements, and indoor visiting in particular, as winter approaches.

“We will continue to actively consider how we can best support visiting in care homes and protect those who are at most risk from this virus.”

Greater flexibility in visiting arrangements JEANE FREEMAN HEALTH SECRETARY