We are very keen for our residents / your relatives to be able to be visited in a safe way, and for you to keep in touch with them. Based on the government, options for safe care home visits in line with the guidance could include:
· visits using COVID-secure visiting areas/pods with floor to ceiling screens and windows where the visitor and resident enter through different entrances, are separated by screens and visitors do not need to enter or pass through the care home
· visits at windows, where the visitor doesn’t need to come inside the care home or where the visitor remains in their car, and the resident is socially distanced
· outdoor visits with one other person – visitors can meet outside with a loved one, in areas which can be accessed without anyone going through a shared building
· further support for virtual visits, encouraging the use of video calls (use of skype for instance)
In order to facilitate safe visiting during lockdown, we need to:
1. reduce the number of visitors per family as to one nominated person. This means only this person will be able to use the visiting pod during lockdown.
2. if the visitor is brought in by car by another member of family, the other member of family will need to remain in the car during the visit
3. we will also have to reduce the amount of visits from 4 a day down to 2 a day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon
We are fully aware these restrictions are not ideal but I know we can count on your support and understanding. Covid-19 cases in Torbay are high as you know. We have done so well until now, and we need to remain extra vigilant.
