News

It was brought to Care Campaign for the Vulnerable's attention a care home awarded CQC Outstanding placed on their website they would not be facilitating Christmas Day visits. The provider’s announcement stated:-

“We will be allowing 3 visits per week going forward and the bookings will be taken a maximum of the week in advance to allow the opportunity for all residents to receive visitors will also enable visits to be booked between 4 pm and 5 pm the day before, if there are slots available for the next day then you will be able to book these.

“Over the festive period we will not be able to facilitate visits on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New year’s day, however, we will be celebrating Christmas on the visits Monday – Friday of those weeks with the added extras of a few Christmas treats.”

CCFTV raised this on our social media forums and received a very negative response from families and care professionals. One family wrote '' This is unfair after last year. Care Homes should be getting it right for families. They have had enough heartache.' One Care Professional added ''We are sure families would prefer to spend time with their loved ones over Christmas then have a 'few Christmas treats.''

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable spoke to the Care Provider and after a lengthy and respectful discussion, we are pleased the home has had a turnaround and will now be facilitating Christmas Day visits. A statement sent to Care Campaign for the Vulnerable by the provider reads,

"No issue had been raised with our proposed visiting plans from any the residents or their stakeholders that we spoke with prior to making the plan, however on hearing the position of the family that contacted CCFTV and Jayne’s advocacy, we were more than happy to review the plans and changed our policy to facilitate visits.

The choices we made were based on the opinions of those we spoke to. We are proud to be responsive and flexible to the needs of those we serve, we have reallocated some of the staff team and changed schedules to facilitate what our residents and stakeholders have requested. Merry Christmas to all"

CCFTV STATEMENT

CCFTV was initially dismayed and disheartened to learn a CQC rated Outstanding care home would not facilitate family time especially at the most celebrated time of the year. Our elderly should not be denied the right to family life and for some, this Christmas could be their last. We call on the Government to better support the care sector and ensure our elderly are not forgotten. Care Campaign for the Vulnerable is pleased to learn after our discussion the Provider has agreed the home will ensure visits on Christmas Day will now be facilitated.