Keeping care home residents connected and engaged during Covid-19
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Healthwatch Wiltshire conducted a survey and interviews with care home residents, relatives and staff to gather information about how people were being supported to connect during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report found that lockdown restrictions had a significant impact on residents and their families. There was a need to rapidly introduce the use of technology to support contact, and for the equipment and training required for this both for care homes and relatives. However, the report identified some good practice such as supporting phone and video calls to loved ones, window visits, clearly communicating the restarting of care home visits, and staying connected with the wider community.
A recommendation was made that care homes should continue to use technology to keep in touch with loved ones.