Care homes open again for strictly regulated indoor visits

VISITING family members indoor in local care homes is now again permitted in carefully managed circumstances, Shetland Islands Council has said.

Families of residents have been contacted to discuss with them how to ensure such visits happening safely, including the need to book appointments for visits in advance, social distancing and the use of face coverings.

Visitors to care homes are requested to stay within the designated area for their visit for the duration of the visit.

Under the current rules there can be one designated visitor per week indoors but there can be up to three visitors outdoors.

They are not allowed to visit any other rooms or shared areas. Care homes will also keep a log of all visitors.

The council said that in order for indoor visiting to happen care home staff had worked closely with colleagues in public health to put specific plans in place.

Councillor Emma Macdonald who chairs the Integration Joint Board acknowledged how difficult the last months had been for care home residents and families alike.

“We would like to express our thanks to the public for their support of our care homes, their staff and relatives in getting through this really difficult time,” she said.

“Sadly, we should also bear in mind that indoor visiting may be suspended again at any point in response to further concerns related to Covid-19.”

Visitors should not attend if they have Covid-19 symptoms or before a period of self-isolation has ended, whether identified as a case of Covid-19 or as a contact, or if isolating after travel from abroad.

Scottish Government guidance on visiting care homes can be found at:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-care-homes-visiting-guidance/