Dear All,

We would like to offer an update on the current coronavirus situation.

Our teams, across our homes, have for the past few months, been working incredibly hard to minimise the impact of the coronavirus. In spite of these efforts, we are saddened that in some cases, some of our homes have been significantly impacted. We would like to firstly offer our deepest condolences to the next of kin who have lost loved ones during this difficult time.

It is positive to note that our homes that have been affected, are on the mend and our staff continue to be cautious and follow the stringent guidelines still in place. It is thanks to the incredible work of our care teams, that the number of new cases being reported, has been dramatically reduced.

Family visitations:

Although we are sympathetic towards loved ones who haven’t been able to see our residents during this period, it is important to acknowledge that it is still a difficult time to start making any definitive plans regarding reopening our doors for visitations. Our first priority continues to be the safety of our residents, staff members and visitors to our homes. Our homes are continuing to closely monitor Government guidance on a daily basis and will continue to adhere to any lockdown measures as they apply to the local community or to the care homes specifically.

As we are mindful of warnings that there may be a second wave and want to do all we can to minimise the risk in our homes, especially for our most vulnerable residents, additional measures may be warranted and the home will put these in place at any given time.

For homes that have been free from infection for more than 14 days, we have started exploring options for easing restrictions to enable relatives or close friends to visit with their loved ones in ways that adhere to current Government guidance and protect both visitors, residents and staff teams. If any of our homes fall into this category, next-of-kin will be advised accordingly by the respective home manager. Until such time as any notice is given by the respective Home Manager, please bear in mind that current visitor restrictions will remain in place.

To ensure your safety, a number of additional measures will be put in place to ensure these outdoor visits can take place safely. We recognise that many of these restrictions will be difficult for next-of-kin who have not seen their loved one for some time, but we believe are vital in protecting your loved ones:

• Visits will be between 15 and 30 minutes. The exact duration will be decided by the individual home.

• All visits must be pre-booked, to enable us to manage the safety of residents and their visitors by limiting the volume of people through the home at any one time, as well as to facilitate additional cleaning between visits.

• Visits will occur in the outdoor areas of the care home (i.e. gardens). If you are required to enter the home at any point, you are reminded not to touch anything and to use protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.

• Only two family members will be allowed per visit and children will not be allowed at this point in time.

• You will be asked some health screening questions at the start of your visit, will be asked to wash your hands or use the sanitising gel provided and will have your temperature taken. If you exhibit any symptoms of coronavirus, we ask that you do not travel to the care home as you will be refused entry. As you will be aware, these symptoms include a raised temperature, a new and persistent cough, a loss of taste or smell and a generally feeling of being lethargic and unwell.

• Visitors will be required to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit. Masks can be provided if you are unable to bring your own.

• 2m of social distancing must be maintained throughout the visit. No touching, including hugging, holding of hands or kissing will be permitted.

• Visitors will not be able to use facilities in the care home, such as the toilets (unless in the case of an emergency), however, refreshments will be provided by care home colleagues.

Please note that full details of how your visit will be managed will be provided by the respective home manager, as and when each home is ready to start accepting visitors.

Other visitors to our homes

It is important to note that these restrictions on visitations to our homes also applies to all non-essential visitors. Please be assured that all visitors will be briefed on the strictest infection control procedures and will be subject to many of the same control measures outlined for next-of-kin.

Information for new admissions

It is important for our homes to continue to admit people whose care needs can no longer be met at home or in hospital. We would like to reassure you that in advertising for and accepting new admissions, we are only doing so where it is safe to do so and are ensuring that every precaution is in place to protect our existing and future residents.

We will have a number of infection control protocols to ensure we reduce the risk of new infections, including:

• Requiring a COVID-19 clear test as well as a full health history from any new resident that is discharged from hospital or another care setting. Where tests are not available, we will put additional measures in place to reduce possible risks.

• Caring for any new resident in isolation for 14 days, with the full use of PPE and twice daily health check.

Testing

As we have received a large volume of questions regarding testing, we would like to take this opportunity to update you on the situation in our homes.

We are actively taking part in mandatory testing and would like to reassure you that our homes are receiving ample ‘whole home’ testing kits at this time.

Thank you

We would like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank all of our colleagues who have been the pillars of support for our homes throughout this period. Many of you have stayed positive during this difficult time and have continued to provide excellent quality care to our residents, whilst mourning the ones we have lost.

We would also like to thank next-of-kin and the local communities, who have supported, both emotionally and through thoughtful cards, letters and donations. We are so grateful for the continued support and understanding.