A BOURNEMOUTH nursing home CEO has described the easing of Covid restrictions as “welcome news”.
From January 31, there will no longer be a limit on the number of visitors allowed in care homes, self-isolation periods will be cut, and homes will only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 days rather than 28.
Richard Adams, CEO of Sears Healthcare which runs Muscliff Care Home, said: “With residents now able to see friends and family as they please, the positive effect they receive from human contact, can now be reintroduced.
“The mental health and wellbeing of all our residents and staff is our utmost priority, and after what has been a very challenging two years, this ease of restrictions is welcome news.”
Mr Adams said for those living with dementia especially, contact with others for their mental wellbeing, as well as to maintain life skills, is paramount.
He added: “Social and emotional connections have huge benefits to our mental health, and this is vital for those living with dementia, assisting to reduce anxiety and depression, as well as supporting cognition, speech, and memory.”
Mr Adams said all staff will continue to use PPE and take lateral flow tests before shifts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here