Returning to care home visiting - Your Healthwatch Leeds

Visiting loved ones in Leeds Care Homes (June/July 2021)

With care homes gradually opening up following many visiting restrictions during the Covid 19 pandemic, we asked relatives and residents to tell us about their experiences of visiting, what was working well and what they felt could be done take make visits more meaningful. Click on the images below to read the summary report and reports and action plans for each individual care home.

Summary Report

This summary report outlines our overall findings and recommendations based on the 200 survey responses we received from relatives and residents from a total of 50 Leeds care homes. One of the overarching findings was low awareness and understanding of the ‘essential care giver’ (key visitor) role for friends and family that all residents are entitled to.

Click on the image on the right to find out more.

Essential Care Giver Poster

Would you like to visit your loved one safely in their care home during outbreaks?

In December, the national care home visiting guidance changed to say that all people living in care homes could have three named visitors plus one ‘essential care giver’ to visit them. An ‘essential care giver’ is basically one family member or friend who can continue to visit their loved one during Covid outbreaks, providing they agree to be tested regularly and follow safe procedures. Along with our partners in the NHS and third sector, we have produced this poster to raise awareness about this role. With currently high rates of Covid, knowing about the ‘essential care giver’ role is more important than ever for the wellbeing of both people living in care homes and their family and friends. If you need further information and advice on care home visiting, or any other aspect of health and care services, please contact us on 0113 898 0035 info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk

Mythbuster poster

We created this document to help raise awareness. Please do download and share.

Click on the image on the left to download it.

In a recent survey, only 40% family members said they knew their care home was enabling visits by essential care givers. Please help raise awareness about this important role with staff, families and residents.