One of the most distressing aspects of the various lockdowns connected with the COVID pandemic was the extended periods of separation from family and friends that many individuals who lived in care settings experienced.
It was always a fine balance to strike between giving those more vulnerable to COVID the protection they needed, whilst acknowledging the huge detrimental impact that stopping (or significantly limiting) visits would have on the mental wellbeing of those affected.
Early this year the Government opened a consultation, seeking feedback from all those with a vested interest. We responded to that consultation, summarising the difficult experiences that many families of individuals who had Down’s syndrome endured during 2020/21. We also know the anxiety experienced by families who’s loved ones were especially vulnerable, who understandably wanted to maintain a high degree of caution in the numbers of people coming and going to their care setting.
Detailing these difficulties also formed a significant part of the evidence we submitted to COVID Public Inquiry, back in January.
Many settings were unclear what policies they needed to follow and many were writing their own policies, which were extremely prohibitive and remained in place long after general restrictions had been lifted.
Today, Helen Whately, Minister of State for Social Care issued a statement saying: ‘We will work closely with Care Quality Commission to develop clear guidance so that all settings can be in no doubt as to the standard expected in the provision of care, including supporting visiting’.
We will continue to work with relevant partners in ensuring that any new policy provides a workable balance between protection and freedoms and recognises the hugely important part that contact with family plays in good mental health.