In a press release published this Saturday, December 12, 2020, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health announced the relaxation of the protocol for residents in EHPAD and other establishments housing the elderly. The relaxation concerns, among other things, family outings and visits to establishments. Let’s do a check in.
Protect seniors without isolating them
Following extensive consultation with representatives of geriatric physicians and representatives of the sector, a protocol specifying the recommendations relating to the organization of end-of-year celebrations in EHPADs, other social and medical establishments. social housing for the elderly (in particular independent residences) and long-term care units (USLD) was made public this Saturday, December 12, 2020. This provides for the relaxation of instructions relating to family outings and visits in establishments. These recommendations come into force from Tuesday, December 15, 2020 and will end on January 3, 2021.
Make it easier for residents to go out with their family
As a first step, the protocol provides for facilitating, on an exceptional basis, the outings of residents with their families for the end-of-year celebrations. In order to protect the elderly without isolating them, outings will be authorized but must be supervised to limit the risks of an epidemic rebound. Relatives of the elderly must therefore commit to limiting the risks of exposure and are encouraged to perform an RT-PCR or antigen test before reuniting with their elders.
The Ministry of Solidarity and Health recalls that respect for barrier gestures (wearing a mask, physical distancing, ventilation, etc.) is essential, even if the screening tests are negative. When returning to EHPAD, residents will have to perform a test (RT-PCR or antigen) and will be forced not to participate in collective activities during the 7 days following their return to the establishment.
Family visits to nursing homes
With regard to visits by relatives in EHPADs, other social and medico-social establishments housing the elderly, the health measures remain unchanged. In other words, visits continue to be by appointment. On the other hand, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health announced that a ” increase in the gauges (number of visitors per resident and maximum number of visitors welcomed simultaneously by appointment slot) and the duration of the appointment slots may be considered in order to facilitate the organization of visits and allow families to meet. find in more friendly conditions “.
Organization of collective events
In its press release, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health explains that “ the end of year celebrations are of particular importance to residents, as well as to the general population. Particular attention must therefore be paid in this context to taking into account their specific social or support needs. “. This is why the directors of establishments are encouraged to ” organize collective activities inside and outside the establishment, with a convivial, festive or spiritual aim under strict supervision conditions recalled by the protocol ”.
