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)
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc and Like us on Facebook
Cheshire West and Chester Council will begin enforcement of moving traffic offences at four locations from 20 May, to reduce dangerous manoeuvres, congestion and disruption on the road network.
Former Coronation Street actor Ian Puleston-Davies said it was ‘a huge honour’ to officially open the new staff wellbeing hub at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
There is just one week to go until Cheshire West and Chester Council’s first electric vehicle awareness event in Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Tuesday 21 May.
Cheshire Constabulary's Rural Crime Team have been supplied with five brand new mobile defibrillators from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) in an effort to help those in need of medical attention in Cheshire's green spaces.
Have you thought about being a wholetime firefighter with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service? Come and find out about the role at one of our May practical taster sessions.
A rising young musical theatre star from Chester, who made her professional debut at Storyhouse in 2022, is set to take to the stage as the special guest of one of Chester's top choirs.
After a delay in commencing the season due to the extended period of wet weather, action has now commenced for most, with a full programme taking place in the top division on May 12th.
Former Shadow health spokesperson Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, was among those who attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by Endometriosis UK.
Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, was among those who attended a Parliamentary event organised by the charity Crisis entitled ‘Make History: Build a Future Free From Homelessness’.
This week Cheshire Constabulary will be supporting a national campaign aimed at keeping knives off the streets by directly targeting knife carriers as well as educating young people about the dangers and impact of choosing to carry a blade.
The Chester FC Community Trust is committing to this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of “move more for mental health” through its weekly mental health football sessions.
Five budding young stars of the classical music world are set to join one of Chester's leading music societies for a special concert which celebrates music written for Coronations and other State occasions.
Foster Care Matters, a new fostering agency, was officially launched with the help of Chester's Town Crier, David Mitchell, who announced the opening of the agency on Saturday 11th May.