Alzheimer's Society reacts to new lockdown measures impact on care homes visits

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society said:

“We are as concerned as everyone else at the increasing number of cases, but the announcement of a new national lockdown is another terrible blow to thousands of care home residents and their families, many of whom are still waiting for the day when they can finally properly see and hug their loved ones. After a dreadful year for people with dementia, worst hit by the virus, we are still having to stress that mental health plays as much of a role in people’s survival as physical. The large majority of people in care homes with dementia do not have time on their side. Contact with their families isn’t just for comfort but fundamental to their care – and most important of all, their reason for living.

“The Government must do everything it can to keep people in care homes safe from the virus, but must act with compassion to prioritise meaningful visits continuing in a safe way, allowing residents to have the one thing that matters most to them in their final days.”