Lifting restrictions on care-home visitor numbers "is going to make a huge difference" in Norfolk
From today, care homes across Norfolk can welcome as many visitors as they like
Last updated 1st Feb 2022
Restrictions on number of people who can visit care-homes being lifted, is going to make a huge difference to Norfolk's residents and their relatives.
That's according to Sally Mynhardt, a dementia specialist who works at one of the Royal British Legion's residential homes, in Cromer.
"Things have been really difficult, we haven't had a Covid screen but we've had to make sure people keep their distance. But, people with dementia don't necessary understand or realise that they can't go and give their loved ones a cuddle.
"That's been really challenging, so families being able to come in instead of one or two nominated people is going to make a real difference.
"It's just as important for friends and family, as it is the residents. They are obviously going to worry that their loved one is going to forget them. It's just having your family there with you, even though the staff here are like family to our residents".
She's looking forward to putting a difficult two years behind her: "It's going to make such a difference.
"The pandemic has been hugely challenging for the care sector in general. From working in the dementia unit, the residents not being able to see their loved one has had quite a profound effect. So, it's going to be better for their well-being".
But concluded by saying that some others pre-cautions will still remain in place: "We've going to still carry on with staff wearing PPE, doing all the infection control and hand hygiene that we do every day.
"We will also be encouraging people to isolate away from other families in certain parts of the home just to safeguard everybody else and safeguard our home as well".
While there's no longer restrictions on visitor numbers, homes will have to follow "outbreak management" rules for 14, rather than 28 days.
The self-isolation period's also been cut from 14 to 10 days.
The Royal British Legion is also looking to fill roles at Halsey House including trained chefs, experienced kitchen assistants, experienced housekeeping assistants, experienced care assistants, qualified nurses, and people wanting to work in the care sector.
They offer expert support for the Armed Forces community, with accommodation offered to veterans, veteran spouses and their families.
“For more information on how to apply, please visit rbl.org.uk/carejobs or contact Halsey House via halseyrecruitment@britishlegion.org.uk or by calling 01263 512 178.”