The HSE has issued a new set of guidelines that will come as a major relief to many families and friends of people in nursing homes across Ireland.
The new rules will come into effect from February 8 and will allow one support person, who has been nominated by a resident, unrestricted visiting access over the course of a day.
Health officials also reassure families that a nominated support person will be allowed in addition to other visitors.
The document published on Tuesday morning states that: Tthe minimum level of visiting should normally be daily visits by up to two people at one time however if the nominated support person is present at the time of a visit it is reasonable to limit visitors to one additional person at that time to avoid crowding.
“Providers should put in place the necessary measures to progress to more normalised visiting and visiting frequency as quickly as possible in line with the considerations above.”
These new visiting arrangements will apply regardless of the vaccination status of each resident.
However, if there is a Covid-19 outbreak in any nursing home: “The nominated support person should continue to have reasonable access for some part of each day if the nominated support person is aware of the risk to them, is prepared to accept that risk and to follow all necessary infection prevention and control measures.
“This can be an important support to residents and to staff.”
Meanwhile, if limits on indoor visits are necessary in the early phase of an outbreak, other forms of communication with families and others “will be facilitated proactively and to the greatest extent possible, including through window visits, outdoor visits, video calls etc.”
Welcoming the update, the Executive Director of Sage Advocacy said she is urging all nursing home providers to adhere to the latest guidance.
Sarah Lennon said in the past she has been made aware of a small number of providers who have been blocking visitors by their own accord and not in lines with public health advice, which “has caused significant distress and upset to residents and their loved ones.
She said providers need to find a balance between “managing the ongoing risk of infection from Covid-19 while protecting and respecting the rights of residents to maintain meaningful relationships with people who are important to them."
