The Ministry of Health has announced a relaxation of the conditions for visiting residents in nursing homes during the second phase of deconfinement. But vigilance is still required.
- A relaxation of the conditions of visit to residents in Ehpad is planned for June 5
- Residents of nursing homes will again be able to receive their loved ones in their room, but two by two
- Wearing a mask remains compulsory
- “Nearly 45% of nursing homes still report at least one case of Covid-19”
For the past few weeks, it has now been possible to visit residents of nursing homes, provided that very strict health rules are respected. If these differ from one establishment to another, many directions have opted for making appointments, short-term visits behind a plexiglass mirror and introduced the wearing of a compulsory mask.
Visiting conditions
A relaxation of these conditions for family visits should come into force from June 5, in accordance with the implementation of the second phase of deconfinement. “From the moment the Prime Minister announced a broad deconfinement (…) it was normal that there was also a deconfinement for the elderly and their families”, estimated on franceinfo Pascal Champvert, President of the Association of Directors Serving the Elderly.
Concretely, “it will be allowed to visit an elderly person who lives in an establishment, in his accommodation or his room, with a maximum of two people. And it will be allowed to meet him more freely in the park or the garden of the residence, without have the presence of a professional”, he specifies. Similarly, minors able to wear a mask will again be able to visit their relatives in nursing homes.
Prior to this announcement,he association of nursing home directors (AD-PA) had stressed that “if it is essential to ensure the physical health of vulnerable elderly people, it is just as essential to preserve their mental health”. Some residents have not seen their loved ones since February, which has a considerable impact on their morale and well-being.
Respect for barrier gestures
However, the decrease in the prevalence of the virus does not mean that the danger has passed and that a second epidemic wave cannot occur. This is why Pascal Champvert insists on the importance of perpetuating barrier gestures and remaining vigilant. “Hand washing, physical distancing and wearing a surgical mask thus remain compulsory for all visitors”, also recalled the Minister of Health Olivier Véran.
According to the ministry, “nearly 45% of nursing homes still report at least one case of Covid-19”. The establishment managers must therefore “decide on the measures applicable locally, after collegial consultation with the healthcare team and in particular the coordinating doctors”.
The risk of a second wave is all the greater for the elderly as it would make it impossible to use air conditioners this summer. However, seniors are particularly vulnerable to excessive temperatures which constitute a potentially fatal danger for them.
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