PM announces two visitors per care home resident – Alzheimer’s Society comment

The PM announced that by the end of this year, every care home resident can have two visitors, who can be tested twice a week.

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

'After eight harrowing months filled with devastation and tragic loss of life, we’re relieved that the Prime Minister has recognised the importance of family carers allowing up to two visitors per resident, tested twice a week. However, we need to keep up momentum with weekly updates on the testing pilot as it mustn’t be used as an excuse to delay national rollout - people shouldn’t have to wait until Christmas.

Every day we hear from families who would give anything to hold their loved one close and look into their eyes - one gentleman we spoke to hasn’t held his wife since March.

'We have to put a stop to people with dementia tragically dying from loneliness - you can’t put a price on the gift of a hug and smile from someone you love, but for people with advanced dementia it’s often the only way they can communicate.'