4th of May 2021
In line with the most recent guidance from HPSC and Public Health, visiting to nursing homes may be increased from May 4th, 2021. Although the situation has improved considerably, there is a continuing risk even with vaccination of the introduction of infection to nursing homes. All nursing homes need to balance this risk, with the clear and considerable need of residents for meaningful contact with their loved ones. Risk assessments will consider the overall care needs, rights and wishes of residents, including also the current incidence of COVID 19 in the community and the capacity of the Nursing Home in terms of building, grounds, and staff to manage risks.
The frequency of visits may increase up to four visits per week, for those nursing homes who have ‘a high proportion’ of vaccinated residents and staff (typically above 80%). This will be considered on a home-by-home basis in line with this guidance. In the absence of a high level of vaccination two visits per week will be facilitated.
Visitor risk assessments are to be completed for every visit. Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols and appropriate use of PPE, as guided by our staff is necessary. It is important that all visitors accept personal responsibility during their visit, to protect themselves, the resident, and the staff in each home.
Visits will be arranged in advance to ensure that the home can support visiting in a safe manner. It is also necessary for each home to ensure that there is a limited number of visitors in each home at any one time. For this reason, it may not always be possible to facilitate visitors at a specific time or date of their choosing.
Visits shall occur in the resident’s bedroom if it is a single room. If in a shared room, the visit shall occur in a room away from other people where distance can be maintained. Where limits on the duration of visits are required, the time limit will not be less than one hour. Restrictions to visiting will be communicated to HIQA and advocacy services.
Window visits and outdoor visits can be facilitated with very low risk at all times. Please ensure it is appropriate for the resident and arranged in advance. There must be suitable facilities and capacity to accommodate and support the visit. Residents will be involved in decision making regarding visits and clearly communicated with regarding policy including any restrictions in place. Each resident will have nominated visitors. There is no requirement to limit the number of nominated visitors.
All measures are aligned with national guidance in relation to IPC, current and future guidance and recommendations with regard to social distancing, guidance for people over 70 years old and those extremely medically vulnerable and other public health measures, and in addition, current and future guidance specific to Nursing Homes.
12th of March 2021
In line with the most recent guidance from HPSC and Public Health, visiting to nursing homes can resume in some capacity from March 22nd 2021. Although the situation has improved considerably, there is a continuing risk even with vaccination of the introduction of infection to a Residential Care Facility. All nursing homes need to balance this risk, with the clear and considerable need of residents for meaningful contact with their loved ones.
Under level 3,4 and 5, the frequency of visits can increase to two visits per week per resident, for those nursing homes who have ‘a high proportion’ of vaccinated residents and staff (generally 8 out of 10 residents and staff), this will be considered on a home by home basis in line with this guidance.
Critical and compassionate circumstances are difficult to define and of necessity require judgment, however the term is not limited to end of life care and can encompass circumstances such as (but not limited to) significant distress of the resident, an exceptionally important life event such as a birthday, increased visiting as recommended by GP etc. Compassionate and critical visits can be accommodated. Once every 2 weeks with one person.
Visitors are not expected to be swabbed prior to visiting the home, however strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols and appropriate use of appropriate PPE, as guided by our staff is necessary. It is important that all visitors accept personal responsibility during their visit, to protect themselves, the resident and the staff in each home. If any visitor refuses to comply with safety measures it is reasonable for the nursing home to refuse entry to that visitor to protect all residents and staff.
Visits should be arranged in advance to ensure that the home can support visiting in a safe manner. It is also necessary for each home to ensure that there is a very limited number of visitors in each home at any one time. For this reason, it may not always be possible to facilitate visitors at a specific time or date of their choosing.
Window visiting where a person stands outside and speaks to a person at safe distance through an open window or by telephone is very low risk and can be facilitated at any Framework Level and during Outbreaks. Window visiting can be challenging for some residents with hearing difficulties but visitors should be encouraged to maintain distance. Likewise, outdoor visiting where safe distance can be maintained at all times is low risk and can be facilitated at any Framework Level or during Outbreaks where it is appropriate for the resident, it is arranged in advance and there are suitable facilities and capacity to accommodate and support the visit.
All measures are aligned with national guidance in relation to IPC, current and future guidance and recommendations with regard to social distancing, guidance for people over 70 years old and those extremely medically vulnerable and other public health measures, and in addition, current and future guidance specific to Nursing Homes.
All visits must be arranged with the Clinical Nurse Manager or Assistant Director in advance of any visit in a Grace Healthcare Home.
Visiting protocol is subject to change as per Government Guidelines, regulations and advice provided by the HPSC and HSE.
22nd December 2020
As the entire country moves to level 5 new changes have been made to the visiting policy in Nursing Homes Nationwide. From Christmas Eve, December 24th, framework level 5 restrictions will come into effect and visits to long term residential care facilities will be suspended with the exception of visits required for critical and compassionate circumstances. The definition of compassionate and critical visiting for residents has been redefined, Level 5 allows for up to one visit every two weeks by one person, on compassionate grounds. Visitors are not expected to be swabbed prior to visiting the home, however strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols and appropriate use of face cloth coverings, or surgical masks will be facilitated.
The safety of our residents is paramount and therefore Grace Healthcare do not recommend residents leaving the home for any period of time over the Festive Season.
All measures are aligned with national guidance in relation to IPC, current and future guidance and recommendations with regard to social distancing, guidance for people over 70 years old and those extremely medically vulnerable and other public health measures, and in addition, current and future guidance specific to Nursing Homes.
All visits must be arranged with the Clinical Nurse Manager or Assistant Director in advance of any visit in a Grace Healthcare Home.
Visiting protocol is subject to change as per Government Guidelines, regulations and advice provided by the HPSC and HSE
For the protection of nursing home residents and staff, visiting restrictions are now in place in nursing homes nationwide.
No non-essential visiting, children or groups will be allowed.
All visitors are asked to contact prior to attending. Visitors should only seek to attend in urgent circumstances and the management reserve the right to impose full restrictions where necessary.
We urge prospective visitors to nursing homes to be cognisant and understanding of the measure that is required in the interest of resident and staff safety. Older people and people in nursing homes with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable if they contact the virus.
The virus presents an unprecedented situation for our nursing homes and the care provided within them. Nursing homes are imposing the visitor restrictions in the best interests of residents and staff. We thank people for their understanding and patience during this period of unprecedent challenges presented by Covid19.
We are monitoring the evolving situation on an ongoing basis and are in continuous contact with the Department of Health, National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), HSE and all relevant health authorities.
If you want to access more information about Coronavirus, go to:
If you want to access more information about Coronavirus, go to:
Please remind all family members that they can best protect themselves from COVID-19 by regular and vigorous hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.
It is also worth noting that, as an EU member state, Ireland is following the advice of the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).
If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Nursing in the respective Grace Healthcare Nursing Home.
