As part of the government’s further relaxation of Covid-19 rules for care homes, Westacre residents are allowed out-of-home visits. We have prepared a short FAQ to answer any questions you might have about the government’s new guidance. For further guidance, please visit the government website.
From May the 17th, care home, and nursing home residents are allowed to have trips out of the house so long as they are accompanied by a friend or relative that has been designated as a ‘nominated visitor’. Care homes are now allowed to facilitate residents and families to engage in ‘low risk’ trips outside the home without the need to isolate on return.
The government defines low-risk as:
The government current warns against:
Indoor trips are not currently permitted by the government. If a resident has had an overnight stay or engaged in an indoor visit, they will be required to isolate for 14 days upon return to the home. Please keep the trips to the low-risk areas listed above, and contact the home if this has not been possible.
The current government guidance states that:
Where visits out are accompanied by a named visitor, visitors should follow their relevant testing regime and receive negative test results. For essential care givers, this is the same testing requirements as staff. For all other named visitors, this is a rapid lateral flow test taken on the day of the visit.
We are more than happy to provide the lateral flow test for you, which should take just 30 minutes. Please be aware of this 30-minute wait when planning your trips.
Residents may be accompanied by
The concept of ‘nominated visitors’ was introduced by the government as the first stage in their lockdown easing back on the 8th of March. The number of nominated visitors was then further raised to 5 on the 17th of May. Please contact the home if you are not currently named a designated visitor.
All precautions relating to the government’s covid-19 should be followed.
Of course! You are more than welcome to take them to visit family or friends outside the circle of care, provided that the location of the visit is one of those outlined in the low-risk section above. It is important however that you make sure that you comply with social distancing rules to ensure the safety of your loved one and the home.
Please wear masks and avoid physical contact.
The resident will not be required to isolate if the trip has been low risk. Care home residents have to isolate themselves when they have used public transport, had a meeting indoors or had an overnight stay.
If you or anyone else involved in the visit develop Covid-19 symptoms, please contact the home in the soonest possible instance so we can take necessary precautions to protect the home.