In-line with the Government’s ‘roadmap’ to easing current restrictions [February 2021], from Monday 8th March, visiting a loved one can now include “hand-holding”.

Outlined in guidance published by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC), individuals living in a care home setting in England are now permitted to have one nominated person to visit them regularly.

Upon arrival, the visitor will be required to take a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test – commonly known as a rapid test kit – and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the duration of the visit.

Individual risk assessments will be carried out before each visit, and from this, a dedicated visiting area will be allocated inside the home, for example a resident’s bedroom.

In addition to the DHSC’s guidelines, B&M Care is asking each nominated visitor to listen to a ‘visitor briefing’ created by B&M Care’s Head of Training, Elaine Thorpe. The recording will outline why PPE and the group’s infection control protocols remain vitally important throughout visits.