Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
01
Oct 2020
Care home visits in district may be allowed after October
North Yorkshire County Council may allow visits to care homes after this month following a backlash from upset relatives.
Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at the council, wrote to care homes this week advising them to halt routine visits throughout October.
This prompted some members of the public, as well as Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, to say visits should be allowed to go ahead.
At a press briefing yesterday, Mr Webb said the council would set up a working group with relatives and care home providers to investigate ways that allowed people to visit homes after this month.
One possible solution, he said, would be to allow a nominated person to visit.
But Mr Webb added he “could not make any promises”.
Read more:
- Harrogate care homes urged to end routine visits in October
- Allow care home visits, says Andrew Jones MP
One Harrogate resident, whose 99-year-old mother has dementia and is in a local home, contacted the Stray Ferret to say care home residents deserved better. She said:
The resident was critical of Mr Jones' suggestion to Parliament that visits could take place behind glass screens or windows.
She said it would add to the confusion and frustration felt by residents with dementia, adding:
0