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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for visiting and accompanying service users in care homes and hospitals while ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. {{org_field_name}} is committed to facilitating safe and meaningful visits that enhance social interaction and emotional support for service users, while also complying with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

This policy outlines how we efficiently manage visits, provide appropriate support, and ensure compliance with health and safety protocols in care homes and hospital settings.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Service users receiving domiciliary care who require accompaniment to care homes or hospitals.
• Care workers, family members, and legal representatives supporting service users during visits.
• Hospital and care home staff who coordinate with {{org_field_name}} to ensure smooth visitations.
• External healthcare professionals involved in the service user’s care.

It covers:

• Legal and regulatory compliance for visiting and accompanying.
• Safety, infection prevention, and health protocols.
• Procedures for scheduling, monitoring, and recording visits.
• Staff responsibilities and service user rights.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with:

• The Care Act 2014 – Ensuring visits promote well-being and person-centred care.
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Setting standards for care providers.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Upholding high-quality, safe, and effective care.
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring non-discriminatory visitation practices.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensuring service users’ rights and decisions are respected.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance – Adhering to health and safety measures for visits in hospital and care home settings.

4. Visiting Procedures and Guidelines

{{org_field_name}} ensures structured and well-managed visiting practices by:

• Scheduling Visits:
  • Visits to care homes and hospitals are pre-arranged in coordination with the facility.
  • Service users’ preferences and needs are considered when planning visits.
• Accompaniment Services:
  • Trained care workers provide physical and emotional support to service users.
  • Assistance is provided for mobility, communication, and personal care needs.
• Health and Safety Compliance:
  • Compliance with infection control policies, including PPE usage if required.
  • Hand hygiene, social distancing (when necessary), and risk assessments conducted before visits.
• Communication with Healthcare Teams:
  • Collaboration with hospital or care home staff to coordinate care and ensure up-to-date information.
  • Documentation of health updates and care plans shared appropriately with our team.

5. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

To ensure the safety of service users and care workers, {{org_field_name}} adheres to:

• Government guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC) in care settings.
• COVID-19 and flu vaccination protocols for staff and service users where required.
• Regular staff training on PPE usage, hygiene, and outbreak management.
• Emergency response plans in case of facility outbreaks.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• Care Workers:
  • Assist service users during visits, ensuring safety and comfort.
  • Liaise with healthcare professionals for care updates.
  • Report concerns or incidents to management immediately.
• Registered Manager:
  • Oversees visiting arrangements and ensures adherence to regulations.
  • Engages with hospitals and care homes to facilitate smooth visiting experiences.
  • Reviews visiting policies and procedures for continuous improvement.
• Service Users and Families:
  • Communicate visiting preferences and special requirements.
  • Follow established health and safety guidelines during visits.
  • Provide feedback on the quality of visiting arrangements.

7. Monitoring and Record-Keeping

• Visit logs are maintained, including dates, times, and details of accompanying staff.
• Risk assessments are conducted prior to visits for vulnerable individuals.
• Feedback collection from service users to improve visiting experiences.
• Audits and evaluations to ensure best practices are upheld.

8. Complaints and Safeguarding Measures

• Any concerns regarding visiting experiences must be reported through our complaints procedure.
• Safeguarding measures are in place to protect service users from neglect or mistreatment during visits.
• Whistleblowing procedures allow staff to report safety concerns confidentially.

9. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner in response to:

• Changes in government guidance on hospital and care home visits.
• Feedback from service users, families, or healthcare providers.

Lessons learned from audits or incident reports.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.