“A Care Home Shouldn’t Be A Prison” – Broomgrove Vows To Continue Face-To-Face Visits

A Sheffield Care Home has confirmed it will do all in its power to continue face-to-face visits throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Broomgrove was one of the first homes of its type in the country to allow a return to family members visiting residents in June following the original lockdown in March, and believes that the mental wellbeing benefits provided by face-to-face visits, far outweigh the risks providing things are done in a safe manner and follow strict guidance.

The home was one of the first in the region to utilize technology to allow residents to communicate with relatives, but it didn’t work for everyone.

Donna Pierpoint, the manager at Broomgrove Care Home, said: “Many residents took very quickly to using Skype and Facetime and other technology, but others didn’t. The original lockdown proved there really is no replacement for face-to-face visits and we’re determined to continue.

“Planning and managing them in a safe manner is hard but these visits are so important. Relatives have been incredibly supportive of our decision.”

All relatives visiting Broomgrove Nursing Home are required to use PPE, complete risk assessments, social distance and follow strict infection control guidance.

“I think many people forget that many of our residents are some of the strongest people on the planet”, Donna Pierpoint added.

“They lived through the harshness of World War Two and the Sheffield Blitz. They deserve dignity and respect. A care home shouldn’t be a prison.”