The issue of restrictions on seeing family and friends for people living in care homes continues. BIAs assessing people for DoLS need to consider restrictions and if they are necessary and proportionate. The benchmark for whether visiting restrictions are necessary and proportionate is the DHSC official guidance which states: ‘There should not normally be any restrictions to visits into or out of the care home.’ (excluding covid-19 outbreaks). Download from here
If there are restrictions beyond this, the CQC can be informed. On 5th December, Forest Edge care home was rated Inadequate by the CQC. One reason for this as stated in the report was: ‘Visiting was not taking place in line with government guidance. Visits inside the home had not taken place since before the pandemic.’ Download from here
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