The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and Client’s remains our top priority and despite COVID-19, there is no difference to the high-quality care we provide. The outbreak has however necessitated the introduction of special precautions and revised ways of working to protect both our Clients and Carers.
These measures are based on Government guidelines, as well as guidance issued by Public Health England (PHE), the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC), the NHS and the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA). We continue to monitor these guidelines and work with our Carers and Clients to implement any necessary measures.
We hope you find the following information useful and are happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Together, we can make a difference.
I would like to go ahead and arrange care. What happens next?
The first step would be for us to complete your Care Plan together. Your Care Plan is a personalised, holistic document which records your care and support needs as well as what is important to you, your likes and dislikes, preferences and how you wish the Carer to support you.
We will arrange to visit you and capture the most essential information we need for your Care Plan, for example, information on your medication, your current health conditions and the level of support you need.
The visit will be conducted in adherence with the most up to date guidance on social contact.
Will social distancing affect the management of my care?
No. We are in regular contact with our Clients/family members & Carers and communicate any important updates or changes. We also continue to carry out Spot checks and reviews with the Client, Carer and/or relevant family members either by telephone, video call or in person.
Do your carers receive training applicable to COVID-19?
Yes, all our carers hold valid training in Infection Control and hand washing. In addition, our carers have completed a training course on COVID-19.
What happens if I, or the Carer, start to display the symptoms of COVID-19? (high temperature, new & continuous cough, change or loss to sense of taste or smell)
The most up to date guidance will be followed should this happen. In addition, testing is now available for essential workers (this includes Carers) and those aged 65 or over who are displaying symptoms. This allows us to now quickly determine if symptoms are from the virus.
Are your carers supplied with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Yes, gloves, aprons and facemasks are routinely issued to all our carers for use and they are trained in infection control, including how to wash their hands correctly. We are well stocked with PPE.
Are there any special measures my family and friends should be taking?
Yes. The most recent Government advice remains that some people are more clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. These include those aged over 70, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women. These clinically vulnerable people should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households.
As per Public Health England, where COVID-19 is circulating in the community at high rates and symptoms can differ from person to person, it is not always obvious who might be affected by the virus and be infectious to others.
We therefore appeal to everyone to please continue to practice the social distancing rules and other hygiene measures currently advised and to work with us and the carers to keep everyone safe.