Change to care home visiting rules

[northumbrian_k]

Since last visiting my wife in her care home (before going on holiday) it seems that the rules on visiting have been relaxed. When I rang today for an appointment the manager said that this is no longer a requirement. I can call in without prior notice as I did before the pandemic. She said that proof of a negative LFT is no longer necessary, although nice to have if one has done a test.

I have been on long journeys on various forms of public transport during my holiday as well as visiting, restaurants and hotels. I have mixed with a lot of people, most of whom have displayed awareness of and sensitivity about spreading infection. Given all that, it would seem sensible for me to do a test before this first post-holiday visit Thereafter I will see how things develop.

This seems like progress.

 

[Moggymad]

Yes more rules have been relaxed. FIL on covid ward in hospital now clear but awaiting a community bed. Since Friday they have started allowing 1 person to visit per day for 45 mins on this ward by appointment which is nice for the family to be able to do. However they still take a temperature reading & give you one of their masks to wear so have to dispose of the one you were wearing.

 

[Jale]

Mum's nursing home is now "open" to visitors. We still have to use a facemask - provided by the home - and use hand sanitiser but no need for appointments or lft's before visiting. Advice is to stay away if feeling unwell or have tested positive.
At the moment I'm probably going to do a lft test every week or so just for my peace of mind.

It did feel nice today to "pop in"

 

[northumbrian_k]

Except, unfortunately, I have had a positive result from a LFT this morning so will not be visiting until it clears.

 

[Izzy]

Except, unfortunately, I have had a positive result from a LFT this morning so will not be visiting until it clears.

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that.

 

[jugglingmum]

My mum's home has requested that we do a test and wear a facemask.

As mum moved in on 1 April I'm not fully sure what rules were prior to this, as I think that was the day they changed but I had the impression that as an ECG I can visit at anytime and see mum where she is in home, but other visitors (it'll likely only be my daughter a few times a year) have to visit mum in her room.

Dau and I will continue to do LFTs when we visit - I have a little stock of the free ones but will buy them when these run out as we will test if we have sysmptoms.

@northumbrian_k sorry to hear you've tested positive and can't visit but sounds like you had a good holiday.

 

[northumbrian_k]

I am happy to report that I have had no discernible symptoms and remained fit and well since my positive test result. It was still positive but faint on Wednesday. On Friday morning I had a negative result and this was repeated yesterday. This gave me the confidence to call in unannounced at my wife's care home. Most restrictions have been lifted but we met in her room and I wore a face mask when moving around in the lobby and corridors

My wife was on great form and completely unaware that I had not seen her for a month. Her new designated carer asked me to do a review and sign some paperwork We had a good chat about how my wife seems content and at ease. That was really good to hear.

 

[Jale]

Sorry a bit late to this but glad that you are well, and also good news about your wife.

 

[CatAM]

My husband went into care last year and there was no visiting to start with, then 1 person for 30 minutes per week, but only 2 designated visitors. Full PPE. After 3 months he was moved to a small hospital specialist dementia unit as he needed much more support. Still only 2 designated visitors, not on the same day. He is getting such good care and I know we have to keep them safe, but he hasn't seen our grandchildren for 15 months! My daughter and I visit separately and asked to test before we go, wouldn't dream of going without doing this. We wear masks. Hoping restrictions will be eased soon. He isn't aware of where he is or what's going on but I just think more visitors might help.

 

[MartinWL]

My husband went into care last year and there was no visiting to start with, then 1 person for 30 minutes per week, but only 2 designated visitors. Full PPE. After 3 months he was moved to a small hospital specialist dementia unit as he needed much more support. Still only 2 designated visitors, not on the same day. He is getting such good care and I know we have to keep them safe, but he hasn't seen our grandchildren for 15 months! My daughter and I visit separately and asked to test before we go, wouldn't dream of going without doing this. We wear masks. Hoping restrictions will be eased soon. He isn't aware of where he is or what's going on but I just think more visitors might help.

I would complain about all these restrictions , there is no excuse for this inhumanity. He should see his grandchildren.

 

[CatAM]

It's local NHS rules, not much we can do. Covid has so much to answer for. It is a specialist unit for those with more difficult presentations which probably doesn't help.

 

[Baker17]

It's local NHS rules, not much we can do. Covid has so much to answer for. It is a specialist unit for those with more difficult presentations which probably doesn't help.

@CatAM my husband is in a unit which is for people with complex needs run by one of the big providers and all visiting restrictions have been lifted. I have just returned home after todays visit where I was able to give him his lunch and while I was there a daughter grand daughter and great grand daughter of another resident came to visit their relatives so I would be questioning why these restrictions are in place. We don’t have to test and wear a mask in communal areas but can remove it in the residents bedroom. Good luck and best wishes.

 

[CatAM]

Restrictions eased, now allowed 2 visitors in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, still wearing masks. See how it goes.

 

[Thethirdmrsc]

My mum's home has requested that we do a test and wear a facemask.

As mum moved in on 1 April I'm not fully sure what rules were prior to this, as I think that was the day they changed but I had the impression that as an ECG I can visit at anytime and see mum where she is in home, but other visitors (it'll likely only be my daughter a few times a year) have to visit mum in her room.

Dau and I will continue to do LFTs when we visit - I have a little stock of the free ones but will buy them when these run out as we will test if we have sysmptoms.

@northumbrian_k sorry to hear you've tested positive and can't visit but sounds like you had a good holiday.

If you visit a care home, you should still be able to get them free. Certainly in Scotland you can, I just order them off the government website.

 

[northumbrian_k]

I realised today that it is 8 days since I last did a LFT. I have been doing them before the 1st visit to my wife each week but forgot about it until I was with her today. Her care home has not asked to see my Covid test status for over a month now but I have been more cautious until today. I will resume testing for as long as my small stock of kits lasts and review thereafter.