The health, safety and well-being of residents, visitors and team members is paramount, and we can assure you that your priorities regarding safety, care, cleanliness, and enjoyment are ours too.

We take this responsibility very seriously and as such, we have implemented robust infection control measures in line with Government and UK Health Security Agency (previously known as Public Health England) and Public Health Wales advice to ensure the safety of everyone who visits, lives and works within our homes.

These measures include but are not limited to:

• Testing for symptomatic team members
• Offering booster vaccines to residents and team
• Enhanced cleaning
• COVID-19 training

Visiting a Hallmark care home - what to expect?

We understand how important it is to spend quality time with your loved ones, so at Hallmark Care Homes we have tried to make the visiting process as straightforward as possible.

We can facilitate indoor and outdoor visits depending on your preference, visits do not need to be booked in advance and there is no limit on the number of visitors a resident can have. It is worth noting in both England and Wales children, babies and toddlers are able to accompany visitors and there is also no time limit attached to visits.

In England, visitors do not need to complete a LFD test and have their temperature taken before entering the home however, they are required to fill out a health declaration form. In Wales, currently visitors have to fill out a health declaration and have their temperature taken however they do not need to wear PPE unless providing personal care.

Please note such visits may be temporarily suspended should local Government advice change and upon routine testing we find we have multiple COVID-19 cases within the home. In this instance, we can facilitate Essential Visitor (Wales) and Essential Care Giver visits (England) however, this is dependent on the UK Health Security Agency or Public Health Wales advice.

If there is a situation that requires a non-routine visit in extenuating circumstances such as end of life; your General Manager will work with you to ensure that the appropriate precautionary measures are taken to minimise any potential risks.

The role of Essential Visitors and Essential Care Givers

We are happy to report that In Wales, residents can nominate two Essential Visitors and in England one Essential Care Giver to visit them inside the home if they are a significant number of Covid-19 cases within the home. If the resident or visitor tests positive for COVID-19, the visit cannot continue unless there is an exceptional circumstance and this is the only exception to this rule.

It’s important to note the Essential Care Giver and Essential Visitor will receive training on the use of PPE and hand hygiene and will be required to complete the PPE competency assessment.

For further information about this role and to apply, please contact your General Manager.

Welcoming new residents safely – Initial visits to a Hallmark care home

We know that visiting a care home is an integral part of ensuring that your loved one’s new home is the right one. From meeting the care team and understanding what care we provide to choosing what room your loved one might prefer is extremely important when choosing a care home.

We are pleased to report that visitors in England and Wales no longer need to complete a LFD test or wear PPE before entering the home.

Our Customer Relationship Managers are here to support you and make your visit to one of our care homes as straightforward as possible. Virtual tours can also be arranged at a time of your convenience should you be unable to visit the home in person.

Staying Connected

We understand the importance of keeping residents connected with their loved ones. All of our homes are equipped with iPads to support you to have regular video calls.

In terms of activities, our teams are running a full and engaging activities programme. Each home’s programme is tailored to resident’s likes and interests and encourages residents to make use of our state-of-the-art facilities such as our hairdressers, cinemas and café’s. We have also been encouraging residents to go outdoors as weather allows and make the most of our beautiful, landscaped gardens. Activities include carefully considered 1-2-1 as well as group activities, sometimes with the provision of entertainers to keep residents occupied and entertained.

We support residents to safely have physical contact with their loved ones such as hand holding and have trips outside without the need to self-isolate.

If you would like to arrange a community outing with your loved one, please contact your General Manager in the first instance. Please note, trips out to high-risk areas in Wales may require the resident to self-isolate however, we will try to put measures in place to avoid this where possible. Meanwhile, in England there is now no situation where a resident would have to test and isolate following an outdoor visit.