To cope with the evolution of the pandemic, measures to protect people over 65 years old are strengthened in all places of life: home, independent residence, Ehpad... Do you want to maintain essential links with your elderly loved ones and continue to see them safely? A plan for the protection of elderly people at home and new measures for visits to Ephad have been adopted. Clarification with Service-public.fr.
Visiting older loved ones helps maintain connections and preserve their well-being. However, care must be taken to respect the instructions and the gestures to protect them.
The new plan to protect the elderly at home
Combating the isolation of older people from the risks of worsening their loss of autonomy and mental suffering, with a view, in particular, to ensuring continuity of care and supporting the carers of vulnerable people (the elderly and those with disabilities) is a priority. The Ministry of Solidarity and Health offers on its website two tools for professionals and caregivers.
A protocol to support older adults at home that aims to:
reactivate anti-isolation measures in relation to prefects and mayors;
ensure continuity of care and support for elderly people at home (support for home care workers, development of tele-care solutions and home hospitalization);
anticipate seasonal influenza with a mass vaccination campaign of professionals working in the home.
A vade mecum
relief solutions
which offers solutions and good practices to carers of elderly and disabled people receiving care at home (in particular in connection with the closure of some day-care centers due to the health crisis).
The measures to be respected in Ehpad
Despite the new lockdown, visits are allowed in the Ehpads, according to an organization defined by the establishment in conjunction with representatives of the residents and families: course, duration, period, number of visitors, etc. This organization relies on the instructions established by the State. It can be reviewed at any time to take into account the context and the evolution of the situation and the institution must inform residents and families.
In this context, the High Authority of Health (HAS) makes available to you a guide setting out the conditions under which visits are possible by providing the best possible protection for residents from contamination.
Before the visit:
make an appointment with the establishment to schedule it (with the agreement of the resident concerned);
inquire about site-specific visit conditions.
If you have signs of illness (fever, dry cough, tiredness, etc.) or if you are
contact case
You should postpone your visit and consult your doctor.
On arrival:
comply with the rules put in place by the institution;
give preference as far as possible to clothing dedicated to this visit;
disinfect the hands with an aqueous-alcoholic solution;
putting on a mask (nose and mouth should be covered), surgical mask is recommended;
fill in the register set up at the entrance of the institution and sign the charter of commitment to respect the gestures barriers and to wear the mask;
settle in the areas dedicated to visits. Room visits may be authorized by management in certain cases (residents unable to travel, end-of-life situation, etc.).
A COVID-19 test cannot be required for visitors to Ehpad.
In the presence of his loved one:
disinfect hands again with an aqueous-alcoholic solution;
respect the minimum distance of one meter;
keep your mask on throughout the visit. If the elderly person does not hear properly, there are also certified transparent masks.
Dialog with the Ehpad team
Don't hesitate to ask the professionals who care for your loved one for explanations on the protection measures put in place and on the means offered by the establishment to maintain links, even remotely (tablet, telephone, etc.).
You can also contact the management team (director, health manager, coordinating doctor, etc.) or contact the members of the council of social life, a list of which is available at the institution.