Summer 2020 - a garden concert with social distancing, held outside in the garden and marquee
Coronavirus Update
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Latest update 20th June 2021
During these most unusual and challenging times, we have been heartened by the patience, understanding and support of our residents and their families as we have navigated our way through the pandemic together. We have tried to keep life as normal as possible throughout, with continued activities, socially distanced gatherings and by maintaining stringent infection controls within our ‘household bubble’. Thanks to some ingenuity and creative thinking, we have been able to support family and friends to visit throughout the summer of 2020 and all throughout the winter lockdowns, as well as supporting essential visits inside the home. Now that restrictions are easing and warmer weather is here, we have a variety of visiting options open to family and friends. All options are carefully risk assessed and with sensible safety procedures in place to ensure the care and safety of all our residents, visitors and staff. The following are brief explanations of some of the safety procedures still in place. |
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New Admissions
We are pleased to be able to welcome new residents to The Old Vicarage for both long term residential care and shorter-term respite and holiday breaks. To keep everyone safe and to ensure that we continue to keep the home virus-free, we are following current government guidance with regards to new resident admissions. This requires all residents admitted from the community to undertake a coronavirus test before their admission to the home. Another test is taken on the day of admission and after 7 days. This applies if the new resident is fully vaccinated. Residents arriving from their own home are able to join in with normal life and mix with other residents on the first day in the home.
New admissions comming from a hospital or another care facility must not mix with other residents for the first 14 days following their arrival. Please note though, that during this time we do not expect new residents to be in ‘isolation’. New guests can access the gardens, go for trips out and can nominate up to 5 family members or friends to visit them during this time, either separately or up to 2 people visiting at a time. Our friendly staff will also be in attendance and able to assist and to help settle you in. New guests will also be able to keep in touch with other family and friends during this time via private telephone and video calling. After 14 days you will be able to join in with normal life at The Old Vicarage, meals in the dining room, activities and social events within the home. For this reason, we recommend those that would like to be a part of our social scene, come for a stay of at least one month.
For the rest of your stay you can meet family and friends in the visiting room or the garden, as well as having your 5 named people visit you inside the home.
New admissions comming from a hospital or another care facility must not mix with other residents for the first 14 days following their arrival. Please note though, that during this time we do not expect new residents to be in ‘isolation’. New guests can access the gardens, go for trips out and can nominate up to 5 family members or friends to visit them during this time, either separately or up to 2 people visiting at a time. Our friendly staff will also be in attendance and able to assist and to help settle you in. New guests will also be able to keep in touch with other family and friends during this time via private telephone and video calling. After 14 days you will be able to join in with normal life at The Old Vicarage, meals in the dining room, activities and social events within the home. For this reason, we recommend those that would like to be a part of our social scene, come for a stay of at least one month.
For the rest of your stay you can meet family and friends in the visiting room or the garden, as well as having your 5 named people visit you inside the home.
Residents and staff at a concert in the garden
Visiting the home
We have plenty of options for family and friends to come and visit their loved ones. The choice of visit depends on where the resident and their visitor would prefer their visit to take place, see below for details:
A couple of golden visiting rules:
A couple of golden visiting rules:
- All visits and trips out must be pre-booked.
- Visitors are asked to read and abide by the home's visiting policy for the type of visit they are undertaking. This is to keep all residents, staff and visitors safe.
Indoor Visiting
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Up to 5 named family or friends can visit each resident indoors. Visitors can come separately or together with no more than 2 visitors at a time. Indoor visitors are asked to take a covid test, answer some screening questions and have a temperature check before entering. During the visit, the visitor is required to wear ‘PPE’ - a mask, apron and gloves. You do not have to be vaccinated to visit the home but we strongly reccommend it.
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Indoor COVID-safe visiting room
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We have a purpose built, comfortable and cosy indoor visiting room. Residents can have any number of family and friends (including children) to visit and everyone is kept safe from infection by a glass screen. No PPE facemasks are required, and visitors do not have to be tested before they visit. There is a sound system to enable clear communication and with no having to wear a mask, this is a great way to visit someone who finds it difficult to hear.
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See our short video of our cosy visiting room which stayed open for visiting friends and family all throughout the winter lockdown.
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Garden visiting
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We have a number of areas for residents and their visitors to sit and enjoy the tranquil Old Vicarage gardens. During the summer months we have a number of covered outdoor areas – marquees, gazebos and arbours so you can continue with you visit, whatever the weather!
We ask all of our garden visitors to take a simple LFD test before their visit, this means that you can sit at a social distance and enjoy an afternoon tea together without needing to wear a mask. |
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Trips out
Resident are able to go for trips out and about on their own or with staff, friends or family. Residents are able to visit family and friends at their homes without having to isolate on their return. They can even stay overnight if they wish to.
This can all be arranged with some simple testing first and a few safety instructions to follow during your excursion. We will be happy to support you and the person you are going out with to help to keep you safe. |
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To see our full visiting policy please click here.
If you have any questions about visiting, admissions or infection prevention procedures,
please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Sue Hardwick, Home Manager
If you have any questions about visiting, admissions or infection prevention procedures,
please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Sue Hardwick, Home Manager