The government announced, in a less lenient health context than a few weeks ago, a relaxation of the health protocol in nursing homes for visits and outings.
For professionals, it is a question of paying more attention to the mental health of the residents, isolated during the two confinements.
DECRYPTION
It is a relaxation of the constraints that is surprising in the midst of the stagnation of the coronavirus epidemic: the government has relaxed its recommendations for nursing homes for the end of year celebrations.
"Residents of establishments for the elderly should benefit, like the rest of the general population, from the possibility of spending the end of year celebrations in the company of their relatives", stipulates the new protocol for these establishments, in which the residents suffered greatly from isolation during the two confinements.
A health balance
The new health protocol makes it easier for residents to go out to see their families.
But caution remains in order: on their return to the nursing home, they will have to undergo a PCR or antigen screening test, then isolate themselves for the following seven days.
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"This obviously corresponds to the expectations of those close to them, but it also corresponds to the recommendations of professionals", rejoices Romain Gizolme, director of the Association of directors at the service of the elderly.
"We had asked from the start that the best balance be found between mental health and physical health."
Room visits
To improve the mental health of residents, the new health protocol also encourages establishments to organize more collective activities, including outside.
In particular, it will be possible to accompany residents to religious services.
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The conditions for family visits to nursing homes will also be improved.
They will always be by appointment, but the number of visitors per resident and the time slots may be increased.
It is even becoming possible to organize them inside the rooms for retirees who have trouble getting around and those positive for Covid, so as not to further isolate residents during this festive period.