Bristol, UK - Bristol Care Homes Visitor Care Policy

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 across the world and the subsequent reduction in infection rates in the UK we are now in a much better position to allow visitors to come and see their loved ones in our care homes. The coronavirus pandemic does, however, mean that our visitor guidelines have been changed with many procedures in place to ensure we keep our residents and staff safe within our homes. We have put strict guidelines in place in our Bristol Care Homes Visitor Care Policy to prevent infection from entering and spreading within our homes to ensure everyone’s safety and well being.

All our residents and staff have coped amazingly well in the strict lockdown and during this time we have tried to keep life as normal as possible for them. Now infection rates are decreasing and we have our visitor policy in place they are now all very excited and looking forward to seeing their loved ones again.

The government revised their visitor guidelines for care and nursing homes in the UK on 31st July 2020 and these can be found here.

Bristol Care Homes first priority continues to be to reduce the risk of infection and transmission within each one of our care homes which will prevent future outbreaks and keep our residents healthy and safe during these ever-changing times.

We have faced many challenges in the last 6 months since the outbreak of COVID-19 and we feel we are now in a position to welcome visitors back to our homes following strict guidelines as we know this is an important factor for our residents and their families mental well being and overall health.

We have assessed the risks in all of our care homes and will continue to do this and will make any amendments necessary if there are any increases to infection rates in the UK nationally, or if there are local outbreaks in communities.

There is Government Guidance For all Care Homes in England which we have followed.

###

Bristol Care Homes and the government has committed that the guidance will be updated as the risk posed by coronavirus continues to change.

Bristol Care Homes would like to thank everyone for being so understanding during this difficult time, we understand how hard it has been not seeing your loved ones, but the safety of our residents and staff has been our number one priority during these times.

We are slowly introducing safe visiting back into our homes and we know your loved ones will be excited and more than pleased to see you.

In summary:

- Visits will be in a designated outside area, by appointment only and MUST be pre-booked

- Initially, visits will be for 30-60 minutes and any amendments or changes to this will be communicated

- Strict 2-meter social distancing must be maintained at all times and masks worn. Please remember you may not feel unwell but you could still be carrying coronavirus so the 2-metre distancing rule is vitally important

- Only in exceptional circumstances and in agreement with the home manager, visiting can be arranged indoors, for up to 30 minutes, 2-meters apart and with face protection

- Unfortunately, no children are allowed to visit at this time

We understand that seeing your loved one for the first time in many months will be very emotional but please do not breach the 2-meter distancing rule.

You can read our full policy here: www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk/bristol-care-homes-visitor-care-policy/