Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“Official confirmation from the First Minister that indoor care home visits will be allowed to go ahead from tomorrow will come as a huge relief to many older people living in care homes, and their friends and families, who can now look forward to being reunited after being apart for so long.
“We know that the past 12 months has been particularly difficult for many older people living in care homes, and that many people have experienced a significant deterioration in their mental and physical health during this time. This may be difficult for family and friends, and they may be concerned about the well-being of their loved ones.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part in making safe indoor visits possible again, as I know there has been a great deal of work by care homes, the Welsh Government and a range of other public bodies and organisations to get us here. This partnership working will need to continue to ensure that visits can be managed safely, and to allow other visitors to also begin visiting as soon as this is practical.
“I will also continue to ensure that the voices of older people and their loved ones are heard and acted upon.”
