There have been changes relating to those visiting relatives and friends in care homes which means they are no longer required to wear a face covering or mask when in the rooms of their relative or friend (although they are encouraged if not required to wear a face covering in communal areas). In recent weeks, Public Health Scotland have approved the use of clear face masks which should be made available to staff and those visiting someone in a care home should they wish to wear a mask. We encourage families to speak to the care home about access to clear masks.
The current guidance for care homes for older adults still requires care home staff to wear a face mask at all times (with some provision for them to be removed when they are a barrier to communication although we are not aware that this provision is used often).
Alzheimer Scotland is fully aware of the detrimental impact on people living with dementia of those they are contact with most often wearing masks and we continue to seek greater clarity on the evidence which justifies this ongoing requirement.
If you require any support or information on care home visiting, please contact our Action on Rights Team via our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000 or email [email protected]