Healthwatch together with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) and Carers Support West Sussex have hosted three monthly webinars for relatives and carers with loved ones in Care Homes.
These will enable conversations and connections established at our Sussex wide event in November (Staying Connected with loved ones in Care Homes during the pandemic) to continue.
Quote from someone who attended our first webinar:
'Matt & I really enjoyed the last webinar in January, and we did ask quite a few questions.
Our close relative, Willow, has a severe learning disability and can no longer communicate or speak her wishes. Although we understand why lockdown has happened, it has had an enormous effect on us as a family & Willow herself. She can't see us or communicate with us and must feel abandoned (Zoom doesn't work).
For you as a Healthwatch team to bring together the various departments for discussion is a real bonus.'
So far, we have spoken to over 150 local people about:
- the vaccination programme and visiting
- the impact of long-term restricted visiting/separation from loved ones is having on families
- what the system should be doing to support relatives and family carers
What have we heard?
There is a contrast between local care home in their approach to visiting. We have heard how hard some care homes are working to help family carers stay connected to their family resident. Sadly we have also been touched by families accounts of a lost year without seeing their relative in a home and in some case having great difficulties in getting staff to communicate with them.With this insight, we are going to continue to push for people to work together to look at appropriate ways of enabling connect and support families where they experience continued challenges.
Matt & I really enjoyed the last webinar in January... For you as a Healthwatch team to bring together the various departments for discussion is a real bonus.
Guidance on care home visiting
Visiting is a central part of care home life. It is crucially important for maintaining the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents. Visiting is also vital for family and friends to maintain contact and life-long relationships with their loved ones and contribute to their support and care.
Read more about the government’s advice to support safe visiting
Downloads
Support to Relatives and Family Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In our latest report, we share the key themes that emerged from the discussions from the webinars and our recommendations for what happens next.
