As lockdown ends in the UK, we are delighted to be able to adapt our processes in line with confidence brought about by the reduction in transmission levels and the success of the vaccines.

New residents, and those returning to us for respite care, are still required to undergo 14 days of isolation prior to joining the care home community, in order to ensure that COVID-19 is not inadvertently brought into our homes. However, in line with Government guidance, for residents coming from their own home, seven of those days can now be spent in their home.

For new residents coming from a health or social care setting, such as another care home, or hospital, the full 14 days will take place in the care home with in room support provided by OSJCT colleagues.

Residents who can isolate in their own homes, will need to avoid having visitors during the seven days, maintain two metres social distance from any essential visitors, and ensure that any carers who visit wear full PPE during their visit. We will provide full details about what is required to comply with national guidance.

On arrival at one of our care homes new residents, or those returning to us for respite care, will be supported in their rooms for the first seven days, before being introduced to their immediate social bubble and able to join in with activities and communal meals in their household.

This new admissions process is in addition to new measures that we announced last month, which include being able to meet the manager face-to-face prior to moving in, the ability to view a ground floor bedroom and having a family member visit a new resident on moving-in day.

OSJCT Chief Executive, Dan Hayes, said: “We are aware that this can be an anxious time for people moving into a care home for the first time.

“I know that my colleagues in our homes across the country give a warm welcome and the highest standard of care.

“We are pleased that these changes will also allow greater first-hand support from family members and look forward to welcoming you into our homes.”

Come and live with us

Hundreds of new residents have become part of the OSJCT community in the past year by moving into one of our homes. We are delighted by the positive feedback we have had regarding their welcome, their confidence in our processes during the pandemic, and how quickly they have settled into their new home.

Full details are available on our Admissions page.