My Mum is in very assisted living with dementia. Lockdown began on 17th March. In July garden visits started limited to 1 hour. This was governed by the weather many of the residents felt cold outside bearing in mind they had been inside for weeks. My Mum then had to go to hospital and after 48 hours I was able to visit every day. Once back in her flat she had to be isolated for 2 weeks. Getting booked in for a visit after that was difficult as only two residents could have a visitor at one time.
My Mum had to go back to hospital two weeks ago, when she was discharged she would have had to be isolated again for 2 weeks but this didn't happen as she was dropped off at about 3,30pm by ambulance, apparently the crew put her onto a commode and left. When the carers arrived, she had no strength to get up, they couldn't use force and called 999. The paramedic phoned me at 11.00pm and was really sorry, he had been diverted numerous times, he took her back to hospital with pressure sores and possibly a prolapsed bowel from sitting for so long.
48 hours in hospital and I was able to visit again. Mum was in hospital 4 days and returned home yesterday. I was not alowed to see her home and reassure her where she was. If I had been able to be with her none of this would have happened. ( Hospitql complaints are supposed to be looking into this.)
I have written to my local MP, no response, signed a petition, no response. I am now considering contacting the newspapers, BBC or anyone who may listen.
It is, as I put in my letter to MP easily resolved with visits from one named family member who has their temperature taken before entering, wears a mask and goes straight to their loved ones room / flat.
Don't take window / garden visits as the answer, they need contact with those that care and not to be just brushed aside as a risk. Is it a case of the government wanting hospital beds free and carehomes being frightened of being sued if coronavirus takes them. I for one would happily sign a disclaimer if it meant being able to see my Mum.
This whole situation is scandalous and avoidable.