Hartford Care Covid-19 Update

The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, staff and visitors within our homes remain our absolute main priority.  

As we follow the Government’s guidelines of ‘living with Covid’, we are delighted we can start to get back to a more normal way of life, providing a happy and fulfilling environment where our residents and their loved ones truly feel at home. 

New care home visiting arrangements

As of 4th April 2022, the Government guidance for visiting care homes has changed, making it easier for residents to see their loved ones.

• There are no longer any restrictions on visits in or out of the care home, and you do not need to book a visit, meaning you can visit your loved one freely

• Unless you are providing personal care to a resident, visitors are no longer required to take a lateral flow test prior to entering the home.  We would, however, recommend that you do a test prior to visiting, where possible

• Face masks must be worn in all communal areas of the care home, but if the mask is causing your loved one distress, this can be removed in their bedroom.

If a home is declared as having a local Covid-19 outbreak, some restrictions will be required until the outbreak has cleared. During an outbreak, residents will be able to have one visitor for indoor visits – this visitor must remain the same throughout the outbreak.

We would kindly ask that you do not visit the home if you feel unwell – even if you have tested negative and are fully vaccinated. Transmissible viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus can be just as dangerous to our residents as Covid-19. We suggest if you have any symptoms such as a cough, high temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting, you avoid the care home for at least five days after feeling better.

Testing and Self-isolation for residents

Following the latest guidance, residents will no longer have to undertake regular testing. Tests will only be performed if residents show symptoms of Covid-19.

Any residents or members of the team who test positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate. The current isolation period is ten days but can end sooner if two consecutive, negative tests are received after five days of isolation.  Should your loved one show symptoms or test positive for Covid-19, we will be in touch to discuss the situation with you.

New Admissions

We continue to welcome new residents into our homes for permanent and respite stays whilst ensuring the continued safety and wellbeing of those already in our care.

A PCR test will be taken prior to admission. If the test result is positive – we will work with the referring health professional to determine the risk of infection and contagion. When appropriate, the resident can move into the home but must continue their isolation period as per the Government guidelines.

Ongoing protection

Our amazing team members have continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to deliver exceptional levels of care and maintain high levels of infection control. All our safety protocols are carefully monitored and reviewed on a regular basis and adapted in line with current guidance.

We would like to thank you for your continued understanding and ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming you into our homes.