While many families are counting down the final countdown to Christmas – end them buy list and think about bringing in food – a heavy blow has come to those with loved ones in the care home.
As Omicron case continues to rise and the government has Introducing the REMOVAL Plan, rules like Who can visit the modified care home residents?, with the president of the National Care Association implying that restrictions are almost back to where they were this time last year.
Who can visit loved ones in a care home this Christmas?
Here’s all you need to know.
Can you visit loved ones in the care home this Christmas?
People can still visit their loved ones this Christmas, but there will be limits if Plan B stays in place.
Under the current restrictions, only three visitors and one essential care worker will be allowed to see residents under strict controls announced by the health department.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the move was ‘to balance the current Covid-19 risk and the need to keep people safe following clinical advice.’
It is not yet known whether the three nominated travelers may change over a period of time – the government will release more information in the coming days.
It is also expected that travelers will have to get double vaccinations, but this will also be confirmed next week.
These rules, which are set to go into effect on Wednesday, December 15, are most likely to change again before Christmas or if an uptick in Omicron cases prompts the government to to issue an OLD Plan.
Similarly, there are changes to the rules for people in care homes leaving to visit friends and family.
Fully vaccinated residents who visit family and friends outside of their care home will be required to perform a lateral flow test on alternate days for two weeks after each outing, during When unvaccinated residents plan to go out to visit, they will be quarantined upon their return.
Nadra Ahmed, president of the National Caring Association told BBC Breakfast she hopes to clarify some details about the new guidance, including whether people can change their three nominated guests. Are not.
She said: ‘Family is much bigger than [three people], if you have four siblings, five siblings, you have grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
‘It’s something that we have to plan and, of course, now we are looking at three nominees. That kind of doesn’t allow anyone else, and as for the residents, they could have expected it. ‘
‘We’re basically raising our expectations on this and of course, we’re almost back to where we were, just a little bit better, but almost back where we were last year.’
In 2020, the strictest, level 1 guidance for caregivers sets out a number of factors to follow, including that visits should be limited to one visitor whenever possible. the visit should take place outside or in a well ventilated room, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn, and visitors should be monitored at all times to ensure that infection control and social distancing measures association is adhered to.
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/11/christmas-can-you-visit-loved-ones-in-care-homes-covid-restrictions-15755185/ Christmas: Can you visit loved ones in Plan B care homes?
