Information updated – 16th December 2022
Stow Healthcare welcomes visitors to our homes and recognises the huge benefits visitors bring to the lives of our residents. This Visitor Protocol provides information to visitors to our homes and sits alongside our Policy on ‘Visiting During the COVID-19 pandemic’. We are adjusting to living safely with COVID, and whilst the pandemic is not yet over, the advice below will support us all as we encourage safe visiting in our homes.
General guidance around safe visiting:
- Residents in our homes have the right to see their loved ones, and we will facilitate this as much, and as safely as we can. Physical contact is permitted and encouraged.
- Residents may choose to have visits where they feel most comfortable.
- Appointments and time restrictions are not necessary.
- There is no limit on the number of people who may visit normally. Homes may advise on numbers who can visit safely at any one time, considering where the visit will take place
- Visitors are not obliged to test, in accordance with government guidance, but we encourage them to do so, to support the health of their loved one, and others living and working in our homes.
- Masks are not required unless:
- The home is in outbreak
- The resident has COVID
- The visitor has a household contact with COVID
- The visitor has a respiratory illness such as cough (we recommend a mask here)
- Visitors are strongly recommended to receive their COVID vaccine and booster injections.
- Visitors may use facilities in the home and may enjoy refreshments with loved ones.
- Children are permitted to visit the home. Children aged 11 and over should wear the same PPE as adult visitors. Children under the age of 3 should not wear masks, for safety reasons.
Circumstances in which visiting in the home may need to be modified:
Unfortunately, homes may have to modify regular visiting in the event of an outbreak.
- Each resident may have one visit them at a time, even if the resident tests positive for COVID. This does not need to be the same person.
- Masks will need to be worn when a homes is in outbreak.
- End of Life visits may be supported in all circumstances. Please discuss with the home management team.
- Local Health Protection Teams will advise the care home when the outbreak can be declared over.
When not to visit the care home:
- Visitors should not visit if they feel unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID, and are fully vaccinated. A variety of respiratory illnesses can cause harm to our residents.
Any questions may be referred to the home manager, or to the company directors by emailing enquiries@stowhealthcare.co.uk or calling us on 01359 300470.
