Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026: final Island communities impact assessment
An Island communities impact assessment undertaken to consider and assess whether the impact of the Care Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 is significantly different to the impact on other communities.
Conclusion
21. The implementation of the regulations has the potential to positively impact on care home residents, including those in island communities. While specific challenges have been highlighted, particularly around travel to care homes, these are mitigated by the legislation that allows residents to nominate more than one Essential Care Supporter.
22. Consultation responses highlighted the importance of clear and timely communication, particularly for families who must travel long distances to visit loved ones. The proposed requirement for care homes to establish robust notification protocols in the Code of Practice will help ensure that families are kept informed and can plan visits effectively.
23. Although workforce pressures in the social care sector are a recognised concern nationally, there is no current evidence to suggest that island care homes are disproportionately affected compared to those on the mainland.
24. Overall, the Island Communities Impact Assessment has identified relevant island-specific considerations and confirms that the legislation provides sufficient provisions to mitigate potential negative impacts, while promoting access to meaningful contact for all care home residents.