AN AYR care facility where several residents died from COVID-19 has granted new residents the opportunity to self-isolate from their own home after families raised concerns.

Glenfairn Care Home have responded to the view from families that newcomers to the home are anxious over being placed on quarantine in their bedroom for 14 days on arrival.

All new residents at the Racecourse Road home are required to self-isolate to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but bosses at the home have offered an alternative.

Instead, the resident can stay at home for 11 days, followed by a further three days of self-isolation on arrival at the care home.

Sanctuary Care who operate care homes across the UK, state that both options will include a test for COVID-19, which is now compulsory for all residents entering the home.

The Advertiser told how three residents were believed to have died there with suspected COVID-19.

A well-loved Ayr baker Douglas McLean passed away at the home in April aged, 89.

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Group Director – Care, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic, we have talked to so many people who would like to stay in one of our homes, but are understandably anxious about self-isolating in their care home bedroom for 14 days.

“The need to self-isolate is very important because some people can be carriers of the virus without showing outward symptoms, and so we must take every precaution to keep our residents and staff safe.

“We feel this way offers flexibility and makes the process of moving into the home as smooth as possible, while keeping everybody safe during what is understandably a worrying time.”

The home have taken steps to enable new resident to move in, ensuring their safety and emotional well-being and happiness.

The measures taken include robust cleaning and infection control processes, with daily infection control audits.

They have also ensured a good supply of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all staff.

As well as keeping units, floors separate with residents mixing in small, socially distanced groups.

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