Legislation has now changed and was updated on the 22nd December 2022, all residents are allowed to have as many visitors as they choose, As a Home it is paramount, we continue to keep our residents and staff safe we are therefore we are asking that you follow the following guidelines around the use of face masks when visiting the Home:
- In the event of an outbreak face masks will be reinstated and both staff and visitors
- If staff or visitors have a cold, they will be asked to wear a face mask for the period they are in the building and the will be asked to complete an LFT prior to entering the building.
- If we have residents with colds/flu like symptoms we will ask staff and visitors to wear a face mask in those rooms to avoid the spread of any infection.
- All staff will be asked to complete an LFT test randomly once a week.
- We will ask visitors to continue to wear masks if visiting their loved one in a communal area. If they do not wish to wear a mask, they will be asked to conduct an LFT on the day of their visit.
- We will continue to Liaise with local HPT when required.
- We will continue Monitoring residents for signs and symptoms of infection.
- Residents are encouraged and guided to remain in their rooms as much as possible, when receiving visitors.
- All staff follow IPC guidelines including regular hand washing on entering and leaving the care home and regularly throughout the shift. Clean clothes at start of each new shift.
- All staff wears appropriate PPE in line with current guidance.
- Staff have increased their cleaning regime across all public areas and within any visiting areas, in line with current guidance.
- Handwashing facilities, both soap/water and alcohol-based hand rub dispensers are available immediately on entering the care home and on leaving.
- Any visitors to the care home are required to wash their hands on entering and leaving the care home. Where this involved a resident, who was suspected or confirmed Covid-19 they are also required to wear PPE (gloves, plastic apron, mask and visor).
- All staff and visitors to dispose of PPE in the required bags at appropriate locations throughout the building.
Thank you for your continued support regarding visiting during the pandemic, we know this has been a very difficult, but a critical ask of you and for your co-operation is very much appreciated.
Your continued support in protecting not only our residents and staff, but also you as visitors and the wider community, is equally important.
Action to be taken
- You will be asked, to clean/rub your hands with alcohol-based gel, which will be provided or to wash your hands before seeing your loved one.
- You will again be asked clean/rub your hands with the alcohol gel prior to your loved one being escorted to you for the visit.
- As you leave the area, please use the alcohol-based gel provided to clean/rub your hands.
Future Focus
At all times we will follow Government guidelines related to visiting.
Should these guideline change, we will implement them, this could include:
- Cessation of visiting in a number of situations, including;
- if there is an increase in the number of cases in the county or in the local geography to the home
- if there is an outbreak in the care home
- if there are situations in which a home/homes are unable to implement appropriate protective procedures e.g. insufficient access to PPE, infection prevention control training and support, access to testing
- Extending the number of visitors or length of time. This may occur if there is a continued decrease in the numbers of cases and outbreaks seen in the county, if access to testing is high and/or other protective measures are introduced.
We will keep you informed of each change as it occurs and how it impacts on our residents and on you as a family member.
