Alzheimer’s Society comment on the new care home visitor guidance

The Government yesterday (4th November 2020) announced new guidance for care home visitations while national restrictions are in place from today (Thursday 5th November 2020).

Hazel Bayley, Head of Region for the North West at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We’re devastated by yesterday’s new care home visitor guidance – it completely misses the point: this attempt to protect people will also put lives at risk.

“Thousands of people with dementia have died during lockdown – by far the highest increase in deaths for any condition - and our support line is inundated with distraught families reporting the damaging side effects of isolation on their loved ones. The floor to ceiling screens the government proposes – with people speaking through phones – are frankly ridiculous when you consider someone with advanced dementia can often be bed-bound and struggling to speak. They won’t understand and will be distressed by what’s going on around them. Aside from the naive assumption that care homes have the resource, the space, and time to build these screens. Distraught families will read this news and despair. 

“What evidence is this based on? SAGE has declared visits low risk, experts have stated there is no evidence of visits causing transmission. The guidelines completely ignore the vital role of family carers in providing the care for their loved ones with dementia that no one else can. Eight months have gone by – more and more people are fading away in care homes, without the family and loved ones they live for. It’s staggering that instead of a pilot we see further restrictions brought in. We have the tools. How is it possible to test the whole of Liverpool yet not deliver testing and equipment to allow family carers to visit safely? Anything less is unacceptable.”

Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia. Via the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456, Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisors provide information and support on how to stay safe, active and social during this difficult time. Our phone lines are open seven days a week. 

About Alzheimer’s Society  

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia, committing to spend at least £100 million on research over the next decade, and is a founding partner of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• Alzheimer’s Society provides the Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456)
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