New guidance removes self-isolation requirement for respite stays and new residents
From 21st June, respite visitors and new residents moving into care homes from the community will no longer need to self-isolate, thanks to updated government guidance.
This welcome move takes away the fear of not seeing loved ones, and allows relatives to help residents settle in to their new home. It also means that those booked for shorter respite stays will be able to enjoy all that the care home has to offer during their visit, opening up opportunities for individuals and their carers to enjoy a much-needed break.
Routine admissions and respite stays
The updated guidance states that new residents and respite visitors will not need to self-isolate on arrival at the care home, provided that they:
- Are fully vaccinated with both doses of their Covid-19 jab, and ideally had their second jab 3 or more weeks previously to build maximum resilience against the virus;
- Have had no known contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 14 days;
- Have not been contacted by NHS Track and Trace to advise them to self-isolate;
- Take three PCR tests (these are sent to a lab to be checked, unlike the rapid LFT home test kits) - one 72 hours before admission, one on the day of admission, and one 7 days after admission - along with a daily rapid LFT test every day from the day of admission until their final PCR test result is received. If any of the LFT or PCR tests come back positive, they will need to self-isolate for 14 days from that point.
Care homes will also consider the individual's home circumstances in terms of infection risk, and follow Public Health England's guidance for the local area.
Those being admitted to a care home from hospital, an interim care facility or another care home will still need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Urgent admissions
In the care of urgent admissions, the care home will firstly consider the individual's state of health, along with the care and support they are currently receiving, to ensure they can provide the level of care that they need.
If the individual has not taken a Covid test in the last 48 hours, they will need to have a PCR test and self-isolate in the home until they receive their result. If this is positive, they will need to self-isolate for 14 days, but if this is negative they will then be free to settle in for their respite or longer term stay without this restriction.
Find out about respite and longer-term care
Whether for a brief respite stay or a longer-term residency, our care homes can provide much-needed care, support and reassurance for individuals and their loved ones.
With the barrier of self-isolation now removed, we look forward to inviting more people to feel at home in our care homes in line with government guidelines.
Find out about the support that we can offer you and your loved ones by calling our knowledgeable enquiries team on 0800 8174 990, or by sending an email to [email protected].