Government Guidelines and Residential Homes

[sultana107]

Hello, I am looking for advice please. My brother has a learning disability and lives in a small residential home. They have now locked down because of covid and are not allowing any visits or allowing the residents to leave the premises. My concern is that his mobility will deteriorate and he is not getting any daily exercise which everyone agrees is good for mental health. He is a capable person who has good mobility but needs constant reassurance. I would like to know if, as the government guidelines state, he should be allowed to meet one other person (me) in a public space to take daily exercise. Thank you for any help and guidance.

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello sultana107

The government has issued some new guidance about this today. This is the link to it - gov.uk/government/news/new-...

However, each case home is looking at their own situation and deciding what they think it safe. This can be further restricted by any outbreaks where people need to isolate.

I will see what else I can find out.

cheers

Sarah

[class9F]

My son has autism and lives in a small residential home and doesn’t cope well with change. They are continuing with daily walks with a member of staff. Visits are by appointment in the garden and restricted to 1/2 hour as it’s too cold for longer. For my son that would be too confusing so we are going to leave it a couple of weeks and see how he copes. I think it depends on the local guidelines as well as National. We were in the lowest tier pre lockdown

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to class9F]

Thanks for sharing this class9F It is really interesting to hear about the different ways some homes have come up with to help people visit and stay in touch. Outdoor meetings can be a bit chilly. I really hope you are able to visit your son again soon. Best wishes, Sarah

[class9F in reply to Sarah_Mencap]

I read in the government guidelines that the rule of only meeting 1 person outside of your household does not apply to those who need 24 hour care so I asked his home if I could have a socially distanced walk with my son and a support worker. They were very happy for me to do that and we had a lovely walk yesterday. Happy days!

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello again

Here is a link to the full guidance on the government website - gov.uk/government/publicati...

It is a bit heavy going but is seems to say that they are encouraging visits where possible, but that ultimately it is down to the home to decide what works best.

Some homes are getting very creative to ensure that people can stay in touch (see class9F 's post) but it even these may not address your concerns about keeping active and mobile.

Have you spoken to the home about your concerns? Are they taking on board your suggestions?

Another thought, although I appreciate that it may not be suitable for you or your brother, is having a go at online exercise together. Would a simple online work out, where he can see and talk to you, be possible?

Best wishes

Sarah

[sultana107]

Thank you for all your advice and guidance. It is really helpful and I understand various risk assessments are taking place so that visits can resume.

[I_am_a_sibling Survey Community friend in reply to sultana107]

Hi sultana107 , how are you getting on? Are the care home letting you visit? Sibs - the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults may also be able to help.

Coronavirus hub of info for adult siblings: sibs.org.uk/support-for-adu...

Link to care home visiting advice: sibs.org.uk/support-for-adu...

Thinking of you, this is a really hard time for siblings who are separated. Fx

[sultana107 in reply to I_am_a_sibling]

Thanks for your advice, really appreciated. I am getting on ok as the care home manager is very understanding and I can visit with prior arrangement. I will certainly have a look at the Sibs charity.

[I_am_a_sibling Survey Community friend in reply to sultana107]

Really good to hear you can visit!! This is great news. Fx

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello

We are working on an Easy Read guide about the new shielding guidance. I will post it on here as soon as it is available.

thanks

Sarah

[Aliwally]

Hi Sultana. I agree that getting out in the fresh air is so important for mental health. My daughter has cerebral palsy and her wheelchair is just too heavy for care home staff to push outside. We had been taking her out to the local park (with hot water bottle and flask of coffee) but since the lockdown this has been stopped. I feel so sad that this basic right which the rest of society enjoys is now denied her.