Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Since the pandemic began, we have been monitoring closely and responding as required to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all our residents and staff. We keep our plans under continual review following advice of the government and public health authorities.
Our infection control procedures mean that we are continually paying close attention to environmental hygiene and cleanliness.
This page is intended to provide a brief overview of the salient points that are often asked about and reflect our latest Policies & Procedures. Further details are also shared in the monthly newsletter.
This page was last updated on 02/02/2022
New Admissions
Viewings
We are able to facilitate viewings in person as well as through an online video platform such as WhatsApp or Zoom. In order to book a viewing, please get in touch with the Home Manager to learn more about how we can safely facilitate this.
Admission
We are able to welcoming new residents with advanced planning into the care home. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are looking for care or need any further help. We have strict protocols for the admission of new residents and this includes testing at the hospital (if arriving from there) and also testing on arrival and regularly once in the care home.
Communicating & Visiting
Visits
In line with government guidance of 31st January 2022, are the salient points to note are:
- Visitors should make arrangements with care homes in advance of the visit and the duration will not be limited.
- Visitors should be feeling well to visit.
- Visitors should receive a negative lateral flow test on the day of their visit, either by conducting the test at home or when they arrive at the care home
- We will support visits to take place in our visiting or a room more practical and comfortable for the resident .
- Visitors will need to wear a disposable plastic apron and a fluid-repellent (type IIR) surgical mask provided by the care home
- Physical contact is possible however should be done by using hand gel before and after contact.
- We are able to facilitate close-contact care for visitors (Essential Care Visitor) who provide assistance such as help dressing, eating or washing – which is essential to the immediate health and wellbeing of a resident however these follow a different and more rigid set of procedures. If this applies to you, please advise by return and we can discuss this with you
- Further details on the governments guidance is set out on the here.
Window Visits
Window visits continue to remain available should you wish to avail of this option. Please request a booking for this via the Home Manager and we will be glad to facilitate this.
Video Calls
Use of telephone or video link remains available. We use the Zoom platform to facilitate this. To make a booking for a video call, please contact the Home Manager.
Extenuating Circumstances
Where there are extenuating circumstances, please do let us know and we will consider these on their own merit e.g. if and on a case by case basis e.g. if a resident is on end of life care. This will be subject to approval from the Director of the care home and require appropriate risk assessments to be in place.
Vaccination
Residents
Our residents have undergone being offered both the first, second and booster vaccination dose and we continue to work closely with the health authorities to facilitate vaccinations for new residents.
There are three types of consent forms available depending on the mental capacity of the resident and your legal status in acting for them:
- Consent form for care home residents (able to consent)
- Consent form for the attorney of a care home resident
- Relative’s view form for the relatives of a care home resident
Further details regarding the vaccine are available by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/. It is worth noting that per the government guidance:
It takes a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine.
- Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection
- Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe
- The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill
- We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you
Testing
Resident Testing
We carry out monthly testing of all residents and as required in addition to testing carried out by hospitals and other healthcare services.
Staff Testing
We carry out regular test of staff in order to ensure we pickup any signs of Coronavirus at the earliest.
Visitor Testing
This would be by way of an LFD test onsite at the care home. Where there are exceptional circumstances to test in advance we will happily give consideration to this on a case by case basis reviewing the risk.
Essential Care Giver Testing
This would follow the same protocol as staff testing.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This includes aprons, surgical face masks, hand sanatiser and other such consumables. We have continually maintained a healthy supply through our pre-purchasing and will make this available for use without cost to all visitors.