Here’s how we are protecting our clients and staff during coronavirus
We take the health and safety of our clients and care staff very seriously and our priority is to implement the correct procedures and support so we can safely continue to deliver vital care to our clients during the coronavirus outbreak.
We are closely monitoring the situation and following the latest guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England, including provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as aprons and gloves. We are also in regular communication with the Care Quality Commission, the United Kingdom Home Care Association and local authorities.
Our staff are trained in infection prevention and control, and our Field Care Supervisors are on hand to support their practices, making sure they meet the highest possible standards and that additional precautions are implemented as identified through our person-centred risk assessments.
Our COVID-19 guidelines
Many of our clients have an increased risk of catching coronavirus and we take this extremely seriously. All our staff are working to the same high standards, in line with those recommended by the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England, the Government and the NHS. Our COVID-19 guidelines for staff are as follows:
- Carers should wash their hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds upon arrival, throughout and on leaving every client’s home.
- Carers will wear new disposable gloves and a plastic apron for each client visit. These will be binned when they leave the client. Aside from regular hand washing this is a crucial preventative measure to reduce the risk of infection.
- Carers will not shake hands with anyone, anywhere, and avoid hugging or being close to anyone aside from the immediate family members they live with.
- Carers will not share cups, crockery or water bottles with other members of staff or clients.
- Carers will wash their uniform or work clothing daily to reduce the chance of infection.
- Carers will try to stay - wherever possible - at a distance of two metres from clients, other members of staff, or medical professionals.
- Carers will refrain from touching their face, nose and eyes as much as possible.
- Carers will clean working surfaces as often as possible with anti-bacterial solution. This is especially important for areas of high use.
- Carers will regularly clean their mobile phone and refrain from using client’s telephones.
- If hand washing facilities are not available, carers will use a hand sanitiser.
Protecting our staff and clients
Our extensive and robust company wide protocols and procedures continue to ensure we are providing the safest levels of care and support. We are keeping staff updated frequently as the situation changes.
Our carers are taking every precaution they can to avoid catching COVID-19. If they should unfortunately show symptoms of the virus they will follow the correct protocol in accordance with the latest NHS and Government advice. If you or your friend or family member has a live-in carer with symptoms of the virus they will need to self-isolate and your care manager will arrange for a replacement.
Social distancing and supporting our key workers
We are following the latest NHS and Government guidance regarding social distancing to ensure that, wherever possible, our care staff are minimising direct contact with their clients and families.
