Freedom Day is upon us. I am unsure exactly how I feel about it, but I think the Government are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. The school summer holidays are the right time to provide some more freedom, but at the same time, infection rates are rising across all areas. I think we all just need to be sensible, take precautions and be personally responsible – lets hope that is enough.

The changes to care home visiting have been published and they are sensible. Please continue as before being especially aware of the following;

You must phone to book a visiting slot – this is to avoid over-crowding and to minimise the crossing of visitors. Please adhere to the times agreed so that we do not affect other visitors and any spaces used can be cleaned.

For numbers of visitors, we will allow a maximum of 2 visitors indoors and 4 outside in the garden.

For completeness, I have copied the additional details from the latest guidance;

What you can do to help manage the risks

There are lots of ways you can help to reduce the risk of passing on the virus without knowing during a visit:

  • get the vaccine when it is offered to you. Vaccination is one of the best defences to combat infection. It significantly reduces the transmission of infection, particularly after 2 doses. It is strongly recommended that residents and visitors receive 2 doses of vaccine before conducting visits
  • take a rapid lateral flow test on the day of your visit
  • do not visit the care home if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of coronavirus
  • wear a mask throughout your visit
  • wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you arrive at the care home

Most importantly, remember to limit close contact, use whatever PPE the care home asks you to, and keep it on. Gloves should only be necessary when providing close personal care.

The wearing of PPE aprons will still be required for indoor visits.

As of today, WD4 has an above average infection rate, an increase of 62% in positive cases in the last 7 days in Three Rivers and a 180% increase in hospitalisations.

Please help us to keep everyone safe.

On a much more positive note, our CQC rating of OUTSTANDING has been confirmed once again. Over the last four weeks, the inspector has reviewed all of our data, reports and notifications, together with a visit to Arden House and as of 12th July 2021, they have confirmed that they;

have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.

Even though the statement reads without any fanfare and trumpets through its use of negatives rather than positives, this is fantastic news for Theresa and the whole team at Arden House. The efforts that they have gone to have been fully recognised, not just by the CQC, but most importantly by keeping the home , our residents and themselves, free of COVID.

Many congratulations to you all – a wonderful achievement.