Is It Safe To Visit A Care Home?

[Barsel]

I've just found out my cousin has had a stroke and has had to go into a care home.
Obviously I would like to go and visit her, but is it safe?
I've had all my jabs incl the booster, but I come under the extremely venerable and I never go into places where there are more than a couple of people.
I'm really unsure on what to do.

[Sqad]

You are fully vaccinated, so if you wear a mask, sanitize your hands and keep 2 metres away from all care home staff, you should be fine.

[gness]

Hard to advise, Barsel but in your position I'd send a card/gift and wait to see what the figures are like in the care home. My decision would be based on care home figures close to us in Ireland so maybe Sqad's advice is best for the UK.

I do love that you are now the Venerable Barsel! Wonderful! ;-). x

[Barsel]

Thanks each. :-) The Venerable Barsel. Lol.x

[Barsel]

When I was born, I had 12 cousins on my Mothers side and now I have just 1 left, and this is the one in the care home.
Before having a stroke, she already had angina, diabetes and has kidney dialysis 3 times a week, and I fear she may not be around for much longer, so I really should go to see her.
I will make sure I'm well protected.

[pat2604]

I go to visit a dear friend every couple of weeks. Have to have a lateral flow test every time and am provided with apron and gloves. I have to book my visit and only one visitor to the 34 residentd can come in that time slot. I don't come into any close contact during my visit. We can also take her out if previously arranged and tested. The haven't had any Covid cases, but we live in quite a safe area. I would probably worry more if the care home was in a large area of population. I have been doing this since July because my friend has nobody else.

[pat2604]

And of course I wear a mask!

[Cloverjo]

I wonder what good an apron will do.
Wear a mask, sanitise your hands and don’t get too close to the person.

[pat2604]

I wonder too Cloverjo!

[pat2604]

And definitely avoid the carers and other staff. I always do.

[Barsel]

Lottie, I had better phone to check on the numbers allowed to visit as I have told her grandson who is in his 30's that I will take him too.
It is in a very large built up area of Manchester, so perhaps I should ask about Covid cases when I phone.

[Barsel]

I don't even know if her grandson has bee vaccinated and he will be in the car with me!
What seemed like an easy thing to do, has now become a bit complicated.

[pat2604]

Very wise Barsel. I would advise to have a good chat with the care home. Visits have to be booked and I believe only one visitor. As I said, only one visitor in the whole carehome at any one time where my friend is. My husband had to drive me there but isn't allowed in. Visits are restricted to half a hour!!

[pat2604]

It is complicated and it wears me out!

[Barsel]

Yes Lottie, I definitely need to speak to someone at the care home. Thank you for all the info.

[pat2604]

I must admit Barsel, if I was in your position and very vulnerable I would be thinking very hard and definitely not be taking her grandson in your car, vaccinated or not.

With permission, I am now leaving. So curtseying and walking out backwards to you, the Venerable Barsel.

[Barsel]

You make take your leave. :-)

[pat2604]

Thanks Pasta. I'll have a think about making my own again!! I tried before but wasn't very successful. I really do need something very basic where I can add my own fruit.

[pat2604]

Sorry wrong thread ^^

[Peter Pedant]

do as sqad says

[Peter Pedant]

there is good advice and bad advice
and take sqad's

and as for things that go bump in the car - ignore that