Can former employees and family members of former residents still visit the home?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear D,

There is no yes or no answer to this question.

This is a matter for the Registered Manager to decide.

It is not unusual in any place of employment for a former employee who has left on good terms to come back to visit occasionally.

Of course a care home is not a usual place of employment because it is also the home of the residents. The views of the residents have to be taken into account as well. In a normal course of events where there are no other considerations to be taken into account then it is for the Registered Manager to make the decision and to keep the matter under review.

I believe that with family members of former residents the considerations are more complex.

I understand that for the family members of former residents who have passed away, visiting the home may be part of their grieving process but that will not necessarily be the case for people living in the home.

This is a matter that needs to be handled on a case by case basis and to be dealt with sympathetically and sensitively.

I do know of cases where the relatives of former residents have continued to visit people who have no regular visitors and where this has gone on for many years.

I also know of at least one case where the visits and the distress of the visitors was very upsetting to the residents of the home and the visits had to be curtailed.

As I have said this is a matter for the Registered Manager to decide and where access has been denied for whatever reason that decision should be properly recorded.

I do hope this is helpful.

Best wishes.

Sheila