31st July 2020

As we come to the end of July and the end of the first month of lockdown easing we have seen the Government issue guidance re visiting care homes, impose a non-essential travel ban on Spain and an extension in the symptomatic isolation period from 7-10 days. For me, these just illustrate the uncertain times we are in, the Government’s focus on avoiding a second wave and how rapidly situations change.

In my last letter I referred to the Government’s announcement of weekly testing of all care staff. Two weeks on whilst all our homes are registered and we have systems in place to handle the associated administration, no test kits have been made available to us. Logistically this scale of testing is I am sure very challenging. We do continue to test all new admissions and staff can easily access test sites.

This morning’s news re visits to care homes being delayed because of issues with access to testing kits, further highlights these uncertain times. What I am outlining below with regard to Phase 2 visiting is totally at the Home Managers' discretion as to implementation. They are the Registered Manager with the CQC and each home has its own challenges. So please respect their decision.

Booking an appointment to visit remains unchanged from Phase 1. We are keeping visits restricted to 4 per day, to 1/2hour visits and one every two weeks. Across our dementia communities the approach will vary slightly, depending on residents’ care needs. The homes will explain the variation to the visiting approach at the time of visit.

Please be aware that I have taken the decision, after our own extensive risk assessment and private trialling in a couple of homes, to push on the boundaries of the Government’s guidelines. Namely visiting will be held within the homes and we will allow a different person to visit. We are firmly of the view that we want to leave our gardens as protected spaces for residents and we know how important it is for residents to be able to see different family members or friends. An important factor for me is I want Phase 2 visiting to enable ALL residents to be visited safely, which this achieves. However, in accordance with the guidelines, we will be adhering to only one visitor allowed to visit at a time.

I hope you appreciate these significant steps. We have listened to both residents and relatives and looked for a safe solution which is in all parties’ best interests. For those who may be concerned we are going too far too quickly, please don’t be. The visiting policy is totally at Home Managers discretion, it is robust and will be closely monitored and enforced.

I should emphasise that the homes are both excited and cautious of the next phase. They know how important this is for residents and relatives, but also they do not want to see all their hard work and achievements to date being undone. I am sure you are of the same opinion. Phase 2 will be stopped if our guidelines are not followed.

We are obviously very aware that aside from the gardens, these last 5 months residents have not been outside of the homes, unless on an essential visit. We are currently working with the CQC to agree a safe way for residents, supported by a team member, to go for a walk and where residents can be risk assessed to go out themselves. We hope to be able to implement this later in August. It’s about taking measured steps forward.

In terms of other news, Companionship wise as ever a busy month ahead:

Colten Village Produce Show:

Home entries are coming in thick and fast and it is clear to see both the residents’ engagement and their competitive spirit!

Photography Competition:

Homes are submitting their entries, the deadline for this is 31st July, the images will then be judged and the winner will be announced on World Photography Day on the 19th August.

Afternoon Tea Week:

10-16 August – All homes will be celebrating with a cuppa and homemade cakes.

Finally, thanks for continuing to send in compliments and support for the teams - they really do appreciate it and I enjoy reading them!

Thank you

Mark Aitchison

Chief Executive, Colten Care