Cautious welcome as care homes granted indoor visits
A social care leader has given a cautious welcome to news that indoor care home visits are being allowed again in Powys from August 29.
But Mary Wimbury, the chief executive of Care Forum Wales which represents nearly 500 providers, stressed the need for the visits to be properly risk assessed so that they are done safely in a way that did not place residents, families or staff at risk.
Back in March Care Forum Wales urged care homes to go into lockdown – well ahead of the Welsh Government advice to do so.
At the same time they launched a campaign to “Shield Social Care and Save Lives”, calling for sufficient supplies of PPE, a comprehensive testing regime an financial support to help the sector survive the economic storms caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In announcing the decision to allow indoor care home visits again, First Minister Mark Drakeford said there would be strict rules for the visits which would be set out in guidance and that the public shouldn’t move away from the cautious approach taken so far.
Ms Wimbury said: “Care Forum Wales was ahead of the curve back in March when we called for care homes to be locked down so we could shield social care and save lives which in the event proved to be a wise decision.
“As the situation has improved, many care homes have facilitated socially distanced visits in outside areas to reunite residents and their families and there have been some deeply touching moments across Wales.
“However, we recognise that meeting outside is not always practical, particularly when the weather is not good.
“Enabling indoor visits can be important for the mental health and well-being of residents and their loved ones but it vitally important this is done safely."
