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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 guidance on how {{org_field_name}} supports individuals in visiting care homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities while ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. This policy outlines our responsibilities in facilitating visits, accompanying service users, and advocating for their rights and preferences in line with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016and CIW’s core values of care, respect, and professionalism.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All service users receiving domiciliary support services who may require visits to care homes, hospitals, or other medical facilities.
• Care staff and support workers who facilitate, arrange, or accompany service users during such visits.
• Family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals involved in the process.

3. Key Principles of Visiting and Accompanying

3.1 Person-Centred Approach to Visits

• Service users have the right to visit and be visited by family, friends, and advocates in care homes and hospitals in line with their personal choices and well-being.
• Visits are planned in collaboration with the service user, their family, and the receiving facility.
• Any cultural, religious, or personal preferences are taken into account, ensuring that visits respect the individual’s background.

3.2 Coordination and Communication

• We liaise with care homes and hospitals in advance to confirm:
  • Visiting policies and visiting hours.
  • Any specific health and safety requirements (e.g., infection control measures).
  • Arrangements for accompanying staff where needed.
• A designated care coordinator ensures smooth communication between service users, families, and healthcare providers.

3.3 Safety and Infection Control

• Staff supporting visits adhere to infection control protocols, including PPE use when necessary, as outlined in the Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Service users are informed of any potential risks related to hospital or care home visits, including seasonal health concerns such as flu or COVID-19.

3.4 Accompanying Service Users to Healthcare Settings

When service users require accompaniment to hospitals or care homes, {{org_field_name}} ensures:

• A trained care worker is available to accompany them.
• A personalised risk assessment is conducted before each visit, identifying any mobility, communication, or cognitive challenges.
• Staff provide emotional and practical support, ensuring that service users feel comfortable and informed throughout the visit.

3.5 Advocacy and Decision-Making Support

• Staff assist service users in expressing their wishes and ensuring their rights and preferences are upheld during visits.
• When service users require medical care, staff help them:
  • Understand medical information in accessible ways.
  • Communicate with healthcare professionals.
  • Ensure that any treatment decisions align with their care plan and best interests.
• If the service user lacks capacity, staff consult with family members and advocates in line with the Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (DCW39).

3.6 Emergency and Contingency Planning

• In the event of a hospital admission, care staff remain in contact with family members and healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
• Staff document any significant changes in the service user’s condition during or after the visit and update care plans accordingly.
• A detailed log of the visit is maintained, including:
  • Date and time of visit.
  • Purpose and outcome of the visit.
  • Any concerns raised by the service user or their family.

3.7 Transport Arrangements

• Safe and comfortable transport is arranged through approved providers, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility needs.
• Where family members or advocates arrange transport, our staff coordinate schedules to ensure timely arrival and support.
• We prioritise cost-effective and safe travel arrangements, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.

4. Efficient Management of Visiting and Accompanying Procedures

4.1 Training and Staff Responsibilities

• All staff receive mandatory training on:
  • Safeguarding and infection control during visits.
  • Person-centred support during hospital appointments.
  • Effective communication and advocacy techniques.
• Care workers log all visits in the service user’s care records to ensure accountability and transparency.

4.2 Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Regular feedback is gathered from service users about their visiting experiences.
• The Quality of Care Review process assesses how well visits are being managed and whether improvements are needed.
• Spot checks are conducted by senior staff to ensure compliance with visiting policies.

4.3 Complaints and Concerns Management

• If a service user experiences issues during a visit (e.g., access restrictions, poor treatment in a hospital/care home), staff escalate concerns in line with the Complaints Policy (DCW14).
• All incidents are documented and reviewed, with learning outcomes shared across the team to prevent future occurrences.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Dignity and Respect Policy (DCW08)
• Consent to Care Policy (DCW09)
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19)
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17)
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (DCW39)

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, CIW regulations, or business needs require updates. Staff and stakeholders will be notified of any amendments.

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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.