Care homes’ cabins aim to help families feel more connected
Welcome addition to garden grounds for visitors
Bespoke cabins have been installed in the gardens of three Renfrewshire care homes to allow families much- needed quality time with loved ones.
The cabins will provide visitors the opportunity to spend time alone with the resident while taking account of covid regulations.
They have been installed in the gardens of Renfrew, Montrose and Hunterhill care homes, operated by Renfrewshire Health and Social Care partnership (HSCP).
Each of the cabins are heated to ensure they can be used all year round and have adequate airflow to minimise the risk of infection.
Renfrewshire HSCP said the cabins will become a huge asset to families as restrictions on care home visiting may remain in place for some time.
A spokesman said: “Across the winter, we have implemented temporary options for visitors, in line with national guidance.
“However, there was an aspiration to find a long-term solution that would provide outdoor spaces for each care home - away from the main care home buildings - where residents could meet with their families and friends, in a more comfortable environment.
“The cabins will be used in the medium term to facilitate visiting arrangements in the garden spaces, with a longerterm aspiration to use the cabins as part of the outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy as one of their outdoor options.”
The cabins all have electricity points, while new landscaping, improved pathways and raised beds have also been incorporated to make the areas attractive and accessible all year round.
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chairwoman of the Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board, said: “I’m delighted to see the introduction of these cabins in the grounds of our older adult care homes.
“The pandemic has been particularly challenging for all care home residents, their families and loved ones.
“This investment will help improve the overall visiting experience while we are still following national safety guidance.”
Currently, care home residents can appoint two designated people to visit them indoors and within their personal rooms.
Each visitor is asked to attend separately and to undergo a covid test using a lateral flow testing kit before the visit gets underway. They will be required to wear a face mask, but hugging and physical contact is allowed.
I’m delighted to see the introduction of these cabins in the grounds of our older adult care homes