Referencing cases recently reported on BBC Radio 4 and the Victoria Derbyshire Show on BBC 2 showcasing situations where loved ones had experienced visiting restrictions, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – together with partners – have developed ‘focused’ guidance to make providers aware of their obligations, and to help visitors feel ‘better informed’.

The document gives clear information on certain regulations that protect care home residents, in addition to highlighting issues for care home providers to take into consideration when meeting the needs of those who use their services.

The independent health and social care regulator cites its 2016 ‘Better care in my hands’ which is centred on the importance of people’s family and loved ones being able to help plan their care and support.

Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of Adult Social Care said: “We have published information to clarify people’s rights and our expectations of providers so that people living in care homes, their family and friends can be more confident that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon by providers responsible for delivering safe, compassionate and high quality care.

“As we improve the way we monitor and inspect care services we will explore how we can collect information to give us a greater insight into this issue which we know worries the public and can be an important indicator of a service struggling to provide good care. This will help us to focus our inspection activity and encourage improvement. We will also continue to use our enforcement powers to take action against providers where appropriate for the benefit of those using services.”

To view the visiting rights in care homes information, click here