A message from The Abbeyfield Society’s Chief Executive, David McCullough

23rd March 2020

Residents’ health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at Abbeyfield. In light of the evolving situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus), and as the Government’s advice changes, so Abbeyfield must change its guidance about visits to our homes.

In light of the recent advice that older people must be particularly stringent in following the social distancing guidance to protect against COVID-19, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend visitors from all The Abbeyfield Society services until further notice.

This means that no visits will be permitted, except in very exceptional circumstances. I understand this is difficult news, however every decision we take is guided by the most recent advice from the UK and Devolved Governments and is implemented to keep our residents and staff team as safe as they can be.

Please be assured that we are continuing to do everything in our power to keep life as normal as possible for residents. Our dedicated staff team is on-hand to support residents to stay in touch with their loved ones through regular letters, phone-calls and video chats.

All of us are being required to make changes during this period. However, rest assured that our commitment to our residents is unwavering and our adaptability and resilience as a community will allow us to continue to help Abbeyfield residents to lead active and fulfilling lives.

For more information on this new policy, please see the guide below.

Best wishes,
David McCullough

Visiting an Abbeyfield Society service

All routine visits to Abbeyfield Society homes have now been suspended until further notice. This is on the advice of the UK and Devolved Governments and all four nations’ public health bodies, and is to keep our residents and staff team safe.

This means that relatives and loved ones of residents will not be permitted to visit any Abbeyfield service unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If you believe your visit is essential, please contact the Home Manager or Head Housekeeper. If permission is granted for you to enter the home, you will be required to follow strict infection control rules which will be communicated to you before your visit.

Please do not enter any Abbeyfield service without having first arranged this with the Home Manager or Head Housekeeper.

Public health officials and community healthcare workers will continue to be allowed access to the homes for the provision of support and care. All residents will continue to receive the same high-quality support throughout this period.

Setting up a video chat

We understand that you want to keep in close contact with your loved ones. To help, we have written this handy step-by-step guide on how to set up a free video chat on your smartphone.

1. Download the latest iphone or Android version of WhatsApp. Make sure your loved one does the same.
2. Open the app and add your loved one as a contact.
3. Once your loved one has been added as a contact, click on the video camera icon on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
4. Make sure your sound is turned up

Covid-19

As a responsible provider of housing and care, Abbeyfield is continually monitoring GOV.UK and Public Health Board for advice about COVID-19. This includes following specific guidance for those in social or community care and residential settings and advice from the National Care Forum.

Support for our residents and relatives and staff

Abbeyfield is providing regular updates, reassurance and support to our houses and homes and have set up a dedicated support line and email address for queries regarding COVID-19. Please email covid19@abbeyfield.com if you have any questions or concerns.