Christmas update 22/12/2023

GOOD NEWS!!!!!

 

It’s the festive season and just like Santa the team at The Close have pulled out all the stops, put all the precautions and safeguards to make sure we nipped the Covid in the bud and the fantastic hard work has paid off.

 

WE WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

 

This means the Bistro will be open as planned on Christmas day and Boxing day to the prebooked and prepaid lunches.

Visiting will be back to normal however as a precaution we ask that face masks remain in place for the time being, except when eating.

 

We are so proud of the team at The Close and this hard work, steadfast determination, and attention to detail to ensure Christmas is a safe and happy time is testament to this.

 

Thank you to all, have a very merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

The Close Care Home recognises the huge benefits visitors bring the lives of our residents.  This Visitor Protocol provides information to visitors to our homes and sits alongside our Policy on ‘Visiting During the COVID-19 pandemic’.  We are adjusting to living safely with COVID, and whilst the pandemic is not yet over, the advice below will support us all as we encourage safe visiting in our homes.

General guidance around safe visiting

  • Residents in our homes have the right to see their loved ones, and we will facilitate this as much, and as safely as we can. Physical contact is permitted and encouraged.
  • Residents may choose to have visits where they feel most comfortable.
  • Appointments and time restrictions are not necessary.
  • There is no limit on the number of people who may visit normally. Homes may advise on numbers who can visit safely at any one time, considering where the visit will take place.
  • Visitors are not obliged to test, in accordance with government guidance, but we encourage them to do so, to support the health of their loved one, and others living and working in our homes.
  • Masks are not required unless:
    • The home is in outbreak.
    • The resident has COVID.
    • The visitor has a household contact with COVID.
    • The visitor has a respiratory illness such as cough (we recommend a mask here)
  • Visitors are strongly recommended to receive their COVID vaccine and booster injections.
  • Visitors may use facilities in the home and may enjoy refreshments with loved ones.
  • Children are permitted to visit the home. Children aged 11 and over should wear the same PPE as adult visitors. Children under the age of 3 should not wear masks, for safety reasons.

Circumstances in which visiting in the home may need to change or be adapted

Unfortunately, homes may have to modify regular visiting in the event of an outbreak.

  • Each resident may have one visit them at a time, even if the resident tests positive for COVID. This does not need to be the same person.
  • Masks will need to be worn when a home is in outbreak.
  • End of Life visits may be supported in all circumstances. Please discuss with the home management team.
  • Local Health Protection Teams will advise the care home when the outbreak can be declared over.
  • Visitors should not visit if they feel unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID, and are fully vaccinated. A variety of respiratory illnesses can cause harm to our residents.

Any questions may be referred to the home managers Tania and Richard by emailing equiries@theclosecarehome.co.uk or calling us on 01865407343