Indoor Visits at Care Homes to Resume

Residential care homes across Bridgend county borough have been making arrangements to support indoor visits for families following the latest Welsh Government guidance.

Visits to care homes were restricted by the government in March as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, helping to protect people living at the homes, staff and visitors.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s cabinet member for social services Councillor Phil White said: “With many homes run by independent care providers, each home is set up very differently and arrangements are likely to be different across care homes so we encourage families and friends to speak to the homes directly for information on if, and how, visits will be managed.

“We welcome the latest Welsh Government guidance around indoor visits and are supporting independent care providers and our own residential accommodation services as they make arrangements to facilitate them in a safe manner.

“We want to thank families for their support and understanding over the last five months – it has been a very anxious time for many. We recognise it is vital people are supported to maintain their relationships with families and friends.

“Throughout the pandemic, staff in care homes have worked tirelessly to ensure residents have kept safe and well and they have been supporting people to maintain contact with their loved ones in a variety of ways – via telephone calls, video calls, cards, photos and emails.”

Since July, following Welsh Government guidance, outdoor visits at care homes have been able to take place for families and friends to see each other face-to-face.