Alzheimer’s Society comments on news that care home residents will be allowed one designated visitor

James White, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We are delighted that designated family carers will at last be able to visit their loved ones in care homes, who have endured months of isolation. It’s welcome progress as Alzheimer’s Society has been working hard, alongside thousands of campaigners, for almost a year to get safe, meaningful visits in place for people living in care homes, of which at least 70% have dementia. They desperately need social and physical contact to prevent their condition worsening.

“We ask the Government to provide clarity on how this will work in practice, and whether it will allow for flexibility in exceptional circumstances, such as an older loved one needing support to visit. We also urge for restrictions to be eased further as soon as possible, to allow sons, daughters and grandchildren to see their loved ones too. Worst hit by the pandemic, people with dementia have been rapidly declining in isolation: being able to finally hold hands will bring comfort to them and so many families across the country.”