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REUNIONS IN ENGLAND’S CARE HOMES AFTER MONTHS OF ISOLATION



These past 12 months have proven to be a truly challenging period for all care home residents and their loved ones. In a move designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the UK government adopted stringent social isolation restrictions in care homes to protect highly vulnerable residents from contracting the virus.

As a result, everyone—from the residents to their friends and relatives—has had to pay dearly to cope with this reality. It’s something that has not only affected their health and wellbeing but also their quality of life.

The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it comes as part of the government update on England care homes, published on 3rd April 2021. As of Monday of 12th April, residents have been able to nominate two relatives or friends who are able to visit them regularly - doubling the previous entitlement.

Better yet, those attending are now also able to bring their babies and toddlers along on visits as they will not be counted as actual visitors. This is indeed is great news to grandparents, they will have an opportunity to meet and interact with their grandchildren for the first time since the pandemic began.





A CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO BE MAINTAINED



Even as we move past this important milestone, the need to maintain a cautious approach is as important as ever - as we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic. That’s why the government has introduced this rule change along with a few important safety conditions. So let’s briefly see what these caveats are.

The first condition relates to distancing and minimising physical contact, with all interactions being limited to holding hands. The government urges residents and visitors to avoid very close physical contact to reduce the risk of transmission. This precludes visitors from hugging and kissing their relatives.

Before any visit, visitors and nominated caregivers will need to undergo a rapid lateral flow test to confirm they test negative for COVID-19. While the tests are currently being conducted within the care home premises, the government hopes to deploy more resources to allow home testing - something that will significantly boost efficiency during the visits.

The government will continue to supply PPE to all visitors until March 2022, with more support being afforded to frontline caregivers. Widespread vaccination is also underway, with priority being given to residents and care home staff.

Statistics from early April 2021 show that 94 % of aged care home residents in the UK had received their vaccinations, with the figure for care home staff sitting at some 78%. At this point in time, there is no news about whether visitors will need to have had their vaccinations before attending.



GOVERNMENT WILL REUNITE FAMILIES



The Prime Minister has illustrated a continuing commitment to reunite families torn apart by the pandemic. Mr Johnson has affirmed that the ultimate goal of easing the restrictions has always been to bring families back together. He’s particularly happy that more visitors, especially grandchildren, will be allowed in going forward.

The PM also commends the care home staff and medical personnel for their quick and effective implementation of the vaccination process, naming it as one of the key reasons for the reduction in infection rate. He sees this as a big part of a successful future in reuniting care home residents with their loved ones with the right mitigation strategies. Other ongoing measures such as screen visits, outdoor visits, and POD visits will continue to run alongside the new measures.



'NORMAL’ VISITS LATER IN THE SUMMER?



Helen Whatley - Minister of State for Social care - also acknowledges how important the visits are to families and friends. Pleased that the mission started in March 2020 of reuniting families is beginning to take shape she’s one of a growing number of people highlighting the sterling work of dedicated care home staff working tirelessly behind the scenes.

According to Whately, the next milestone aimed for is to see how possible it will be to have normal visits in care homes later in the year... She is, however, aware of how vicious the virus can be in care homes, so she urges everyone to keep up with the advice and listen to what the science is telling us.

Residents living with conditions such as advanced dementia, autism, and learning disabilities need constant care from a trusted family member or friend. For that reason, the government extended the caregiver scheme until March 2022.



THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY ECHOES THE SENTIMENT



These sentiments were echoed by Fiona Carragher of the Alzheimer’s Society, who explained the need for residential dementia patients to receive continuous support from their loved ones. Unfortunately, the isolation over this past year has separated them, consequently increasing their dementia symptoms.

She, however, believes that as more vaccination strategies continue to roll out, families will eventually be reunited safely. Carragher proposes an individual-to-individual approach when taking care of the residents for effective service delivery. Besides, she welcomes anyone who experiences challenges visiting the care homes to visit her team at the Alzheimer’s Society for help.



AN EMOTIONAL TIME AS FAMILIES ARE REUNITED



It will undoubtedly be an emotional time for families across the country as more and more reunions occur. As a result, there will be some much needed human contact for care home residents, many of who have been on their own for so long. Visitors just need to maintain safety as their primary focus.

The ultimate goal here is to reunite families and boost the emotional wellbeing of everyone living in care homes. Coronavirus has been cruel in this regard and the mental impact of the isolation shouldn’t be underestimated.

The government is basing its measures on the latest scientific advice, which shows that a balance must be struck between infection risk and the importance of family visits. This is why it is imperative for visitors to take the necessary safety precautions before, during, and after meeting up with their elderly loved ones to allow these freedoms to continue.

These changes represent a welcome move that focuses on not just virus control but also patient well being. That is, after all, is the most important factor in the equation.



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