Collingwood Court Bupa Care Home welcomes visitors back

The news has been well received at one care home in Clapham Town, with visitors able to see residents in their rooms.

Collingwood Court Bupa Care Home, in Nelson’s Row, is allowing each resident to receive one nominated visitor, who will need to complete a lateral flow test that shows a negative result before the visit.

Visitors are required to wear PPE and follow social distancing protocols.

Istvan Fenyvesi is allowed to see visitors again

The restrictions issued by the government last year required all care homes to follow strict guidelines on visiting, particularly as elderly residents are some of the most vulnerable to the virus.

With cases falling across the UK over recent weeks, the Prime Minister announced a gradual easing of restrictions, which included restarting visits to care homes.

While guidance prevented face-to-face visits, Collingwood Court devised innovative ways to keep families connected during the pandemic.

The home installed a comfortable visiting pod fitted with screens to manage infection control.

It also facilitated window visits and regular phone and video calls to help families stay in touch.

Maria Stevenson is reunited with her son

Rebecca Pearson, Operations Director for the 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 really pleased to be carefully reintroducing these visits again.”