Visiting guidance for nursing homes has been updated in light of residents’ rights while also shielding them from infection.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler has said the impact of COVID-19 on those living in nursing homes has been considerable.

Activities

She said that as the disease is supressed in the community, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence.

The minister said the guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. 

Minister Butler said: “We must remember that residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided.

Restricted contact

“The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.”

The minister said she was confident that nursing homes are preparing the way to allow for visiting in a safe way. 

“I hope these latest public health guidelines developed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre help nursing homes, residents and their families,” she said.