FROM today (Friday), families and friends can now visit their loved ones in care homes.

Over the past few months, care home staff in Fife have been supporting residents to keep connected via phone and facetime calls while visits were suspended.

Councillor Rosemary Liewald, chair of Fife’s Integration Joint Board, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all Fife’s care home staff – they have been amazing throughout this period.

"It hasn’t been an easy time for residents and their families not being able to visit in person. Care home staff have really stepped up to the challenge to ensure other measures were put in place to keep families connected.”

Visiting care homes will be a bit different. There will be a phased approach and in this phase before any visits resume, the care home needs to be COVID-19 free for 28 days.

Each phase of the approach will be dependent on guidance from Scottish Government based on scientific advice.

Initially, it will be essential visits and garden visits with a designated visitor that will be permitted.

Physical distancing measures will be in place and visitors and residents must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Care homes have been contacting families and friends of care home residents with information on how to arrange a visit and what to expect.

David Heaney, divisional general manager, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, added:

“We know how important it is for the wellbeing of residents and their families to have these connections, so it’s great to see visits resuming.

"I can’t thank care home staff enough for all they have been doing and continue to do to support residents and the innovative ways they have been keeping residents safe and entertained.

“Our residents and staff are our priority and visits will be managed by the care home to ensure the safety of residents, their visitors and staff.

"To arrange a visit, please contact the care home first. Residents remain at a higher risk from COVID-19 because of their age and/or medical conditions so if you have been feeling unwell in any way please do not visit.”