We support, inform and speak on behalf of older people in care
12 May 2021: As care homes reopen to visitors, our helpline has heard about the concerning use of disclaimers. One relative got in touch about a disclaimer they had been asked to sign to confirm that they understood the risk of COVID-19 and would comply with infection control procedures but it also contained very broad, […] Read More...
5 May 2021 In a hard-hitting report on visiting restrictions during the pandemic, the Joint Committee on Human Rights has echoed many of the calls in R&RA’s campaign to End Isolation In Care. It follows our evidence session with the Committee in which R&RA’s director highlighted the detrimental impact of a year of isolation and […] Read More...
1 May 2021: The Relatives & Residents Association (R&RA) welcomes the Government’s announcement that residents will no longer have to isolate for 14 days following visits out of their care home which take place outdoors. We are pleased the Government has listened to our calls, and those of families, to end the two week quarantine. […] Read More...
The Relatives & Residents Association has signed an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for a ‘1948 moment’ for social care, to establish a long-term and sustainable future for the sector. The joint letter, signed by 28 organisations and Parliamentarians, recognises that the current system leaves many families struggling to survive as each year thousands […] Read More...
Embracing essential caregivers for the benefit of residents, families and staff Samantha Peck, Executive Director, Family Councils Ontario Like in many other places around the world, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on Ontario’s long-term care homes. As of April 8 2021, 3,755 care home residents and 11 home staff have died of COVID-19. In […] Read More...
As the rest of the country enjoys the gradual easing of lockdown, older people in care have been left behind by the Government once again. Guidance by the Department of Health and Social Care imposes a blanket two week quarantine after each visit out of the care home. This is preventing residents from getting out […] Read More...
Learn more about the role of an Essential Caregiver for care homes in England via our suite of resources FAQs: read frequently asked questions about the role, based on what we hear via our helpline Explainer: our summary of the role as outlined in the Government’s visiting guidance for England and your legal […] Read More...
We welcome the Government’s recognition of the central role Essential Caregivers play in the wellbeing of care home residents. Guidance permitting access to Essential Caregivers (from 8 March) follows our joint call for this, as a ‘first step’ to re-opening care homes. We now call for urgent and united action to ensure […] Read More...
R&RA is calling for urgent and united action to ensure every resident who needs to can access the support of an Essential Caregiver. Older people in care have spent more than a year without close contact and interaction with their relatives/friends, and the introduction of the Essential Caregiver role was a welcome first step to […] Read More...
A year ago our helpline was flooded with anxious and distressed relatives and friends, trying to get to grips with the sudden closing of care homes and the shock of the impact of COVID-19 on our society. Callers were struggling with the conflict between the need to safeguard their loved ones against this new, terrible […] Read More...