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For many people life in a care home can be restricting and the COVID pandemic has been incredibly challenging for people living in care homes and the social care workforce tasked with keeping people safe.

Amidst the challenge many families, relatives, pressure groups and the Care Quality Commission have expressed concerns about bans on visiting and restricting the liberty, freedom and human rights of people living in care homes.

As COVID restrictions continue to ease, from 04/05/2021 residents can leave their care homes (accompanied by either a care worker, or nominated visitor) to visit a friend or family member’s garden, or go on walks to places such as parks, public gardens and beaches. They will not have to self-isolate when they return.

It’s long been recognised having positive relationships, connections with family and friends, and outdoor activity promotes good physical and mental health. With latest statistics showing that 95% of care home residents have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine and 71% have received their second, perhaps it’s time to put down the bingo sheets and genuinely consider peoples wishes, interests and hobbies and begin embarking on some really meaningful activities to support people to live as full, active and healthy lives as possible.

Here at Delphi, we believe it’s not only about promoting good practice and demonstrating regulatory compliance but more importantly it’s about a genuine appreciation for the value of peoples’ lives.

By working together with residents, families, relatives, community groups and other relevant organisations there is much we can all do to support and enable people living in care services on what can often be a ‘Long Walk to Freedom’.

For further info, see…

Care homes residents allowed more out-of-home visits
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions – what you can and cannot do
(COVID-19) Coronavirus – Recent and upcoming changes
(COVID-19) Coronavirus – Roadmap out of lockdown