Pensioners finally get visits from their families as lockdown restrictions ease

By Tom Watling

Pensioners are at last getting visits from their families after the end of restrictions during lockdown.

Westcombe Park Bupa Care Home has been able to relax its strict restrictions following updated government guidance on March 8.

Each resident is permitted one nominated visitor. They will need to complete a lateral flow test that shows negative before the visit and guests will also be provided the necessary PPE by the care home.

Rebecca Pearson, Operations Director for the Greenwich care home, said: “We understand how important time with loved ones is for our residents’ happiness and wellbeing, so we’re delighted to restart these visits.

“We know how much it means for families to hold hands and the tremendous lift this gives everyone.

“Families are a big part of our community, so we are really pleased to be carefully reintroducing these visits again.”

To manage the volume of people in the home, in line with social distancing guidelines, visits will have to be booked in advance.

The pre-guidance visitations will also continue.

Pearson said: “We have put in place a range of visiting options in line with guidelines so that families can stay connected, whilst keeping residents safe.

“We’ll continue with all of these, so residents can see more of their loved ones.”

“Our teams have worked so hard, and I’m so proud of all our people who have been such heroes over the past year.

“They’ve shown professionalism, compassion and kindness and gone above and beyond to make residents smile.”

Main Pic: Ann and Peter Denyer