CHW10-Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Visiting and Accompanying in Care Homes and Hospitals Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that residents at {{org_field_name}} maintain meaningful contact with family, friends, and advocates while receiving care, in accordance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017. This policy aims to promote the well-being, autonomy, and social inclusion of residents while balancing infection control, safety, and operational requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

Residents and their family members, friends, and advocates who wish to visit or accompany them to appointments.
Care home staff responsible for facilitating and managing visits.
Healthcare professionals and external visitors who interact with residents.
The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, who ensure compliance with regulatory and best-practice guidelines.

3. Principles and Compliance with CIW Regulations

The right to visit and be accompanied is a fundamental part of person-centred care and is managed in compliance with:

Regulation 14 of the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, which requires that residents receive appropriate support to maintain family relationships and social connections.
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which emphasises the importance of well-being, social inclusion, and dignity in care.
Infection control regulations to protect residents and visitors from health risks, including guidance from Public Health Wales.

4. Visiting Arrangements in the Care Home

To manage visiting effectively and safely, we implement the following procedures:

Open Visiting Policy: Visitors are welcome during designated visiting hours to ensure residents have ample time with loved ones while maintaining structured routines.
Flexible Visiting for Exceptional Circumstances: In cases such as end-of-life care, serious illness, or emotional distress, visiting hours are extended to support the resident and their family.
Booking System for Visits: Visitors are encouraged to book visits in advance to ensure appropriate space and staff support.
Visitor Registration and Screening: Visitors must sign in upon arrival, and in the case of infectious outbreaks, may be required to undergo screening to ensure safety.
Designated Visiting Areas: Comfortable, private spaces are provided to facilitate meaningful interactions while ensuring privacy and dignity.
Virtual Visiting Alternatives: When in-person visits are restricted, we facilitate video calls, phone calls, and digital communication to keep residents connected.

5. Infection Control and Health & Safety Measures

To protect residents and visitors, our care home adheres to strict infection control protocols:

Hand Hygiene Stations: Located at entrances and in key areas to encourage frequent hand sanitisation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provided when required by public health guidance.
Cleaning and Sanitisation: Visiting areas and high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected to minimise infection risk.
Social Distancing (when necessary): Visitors may be asked to maintain appropriate distancing during outbreaks.
Pre-Visit Health Checks: Visitors with symptoms of illness are advised to postpone their visit.

6. Accompanying Residents to External Appointments

Residents may require support when attending hospital appointments or external events. To manage this effectively:

Risk Assessments: Each resident’s needs and mobility requirements are assessed to determine the level of support needed.
Choice and Consent: Residents have the right to choose who accompanies them, and their consent is sought in all decisions.
Staff or Family Escorts: Where necessary, trained staff or family members may accompany residents to medical or personal appointments.
Transport Arrangements: Accessible transport options are coordinated to ensure safety and comfort.
Post-Visit Monitoring: Residents returning from external visits are monitored for any health concerns.

7. Managing Visiting Restrictions During Public Health Emergencies

In times of public health crises, visiting restrictions may be imposed based on guidance from Public Health Wales and CIW. During such periods, we:

Provide clear communication to residents and families about any restrictions and the reasons behind them.
Facilitate remote communication options, such as video calls, letters, and digital messages.
Implement safe and compassionate visiting protocols for exceptional circumstances such as end-of-life care.
Regularly review and update restrictions based on official guidance to ensure minimal disruption to resident well-being.

8. Complaints and Feedback on Visiting Arrangements

To ensure transparency and continuous improvement:

Residents and visitors are encouraged to provide feedback on their visiting experience.
Complaints regarding visiting restrictions or procedures can be raised with the Registered Manager, who will investigate and take appropriate action.
Regular reviews are conducted to ensure that visiting arrangements align with resident needs and regulatory requirements.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

CHW05 – Statement of Purpose Policy
CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CHW35 – Duty of Candour Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, CIW regulations, or public health guidelines. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual will oversee the review process to ensure the policy remains effective and up to date.

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}}
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