COVID-19
RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE TO EASE FOR UK CARE HOMES
Following on from recent relaxations of
covid-19 restrictions for UK care homes, the rules have been eased even more -
to the delight of residents and families alike. Since the 17th March, those
residing in UK care homes are now able to have more named visitors, as well as
more opportunity to take visits out into the local area without the need to
self-isolate upon their return.
The previous number of allowed friends and
family visitors was 2 and that figure is now up to 5 and when taking trips to
day centres, dentists and GPs, residents are now no longer required to
self-isolate. Other places Uk care home residents are able to visit include:
- Parks, gardens or beaches
- Attending educational courses
- Going to work
In addition to this, when an outbreak occurs,
visitation rights will pause for just 2 weeks, rather than 28 days - subject to
risk assessments and correct testing being carried out.
MADE POSSIBLE BY
SUCCESSFUL VACCINE ROLLOUT
This positive move has been made possible by
the hitherto successful rollout of the vaccine and a subsequent reduction in
new coronavirus cases. When speaking on the subject, Helen Whately, Minister
for Care had this to say:
“The
measures we have taken during this pandemic have always been to protect our
most vulnerable, but I have heard first-hand from those living and working in
care homes how difficult the restrictions have been.
Thanks
to the phenomenal success of the vaccine rollout and a reduction in cases
across the country, I am pleased we can now take another step towards getting
back to normal, while protecting those in care homes from the continued risk of
COVID-19”.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF
THE SOCIAL CARE WORKFORCE
It goes without saying that family and friends
of residents, as well as residents themselves, have found the pandemic extremely
challenging. However, the role of the social care workforce in supporting
residents and keeping them safe during this period cannot be underplayed.
The increased contact that this move brings
provides a vital emotional boost to those who’ve been through so much in the
last 18 months, but in providing day to daycare in the face of adversity
whilst also maintaining effective infection control, front line care home staff
have helped greatly to bring down transmission in this setting.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE
FOR ALL CONCERNED
After what has been a troubling period for UK
care home residents, it now seems that there is a bright light at the end of a
very long, very dark tunnel. The government will continue to adjust the advice
being given with the intention to remove more restrictions in due course.
The future in the sector is thankfully
becoming less uncertain with each passing week and while there will likely be
more challenging times ahead, it would now appear that enough ground has been
made to give everyone concerned cause for optimism.
For the first time in a long time, the concept
of ‘a return to normality’ seems like a very real possibility.
