The health, safety and well-being of residents, visitors and team members remains our number one priority and as such, we continue to follow the Government guidance for Adult Social Care in ‘Living with COVID-19’.
During this pandemic we have implemented robust cleaning processes and adapted our environments to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
What we have implemented
- Installed automated entrance doors, where practicable.
- Ensured all homes have sufficient steam cleaners for carpets, hard floors, and surfaces
- Provided all homes with air purifying ozone machines
- Installed automated sanitising stations for entrances to our homes and in all team areas.
- Installed wall mounted contactless thermometers in entrances.
- Set up a contactless signing in system, that uses an iPad and QR codes, to replace the current paper based system.
Visiting
With the Government plan on ‘Living with COVID-19’ residents can have a higher number of visitors both in and outdoors, and there is no requirement to test prior to each visit. Additionally, on the 15th December 2022, the Government updated their guidance on universal facemask wearing in Care Homes, advising that face masks are no longer required, unless a personal preference. Although, this is subject to change dependent on the risk of onward transmission (for example, during an outbreak). Any visitor, resident or team member who wishes to wear a face mask may do so, and these are available on the premises.
To protect the health and safety of those within our care and to limit the risk of an outbreak, we ask people to refrain from visiting if feeling unwell. This includes those with a new and continuous cough, sore throat, raised body temperature, muscles aches, anosmia, or any other respiratory symptoms.
We also request that visitors wash hands regularly, use tissues when coughing and sneezing, let fresh air into rooms where possible, and avoid close contact with people they don’t generally meet.
In our Homes, residents can have as many visitors as they wish, who can visit regularly. Indoor visits away from the Care Home and overnight stays are possible and upon return, residents are no longer subject to testing nor an isolation period. Moreover, visits are no longer limited to residents’ bedrooms, and people can join their loved ones for a meal (please make your booking with our reception team).
Activities and Events
We have also risk-assessed our day-to-day activities and are adhering to social distancing measures where appropriate and necessary. We are isolating residents and team members who develop COVID-19 related symptoms, or who test positive for the virus, and protecting those most vulnerable, as identified by the NHS. We have developed interactive and meaningful events across our communities, bringing together a higher number of people in line with Government guidelines.
New Residents
We continue to welcome new residents to our homes. We are following robust screening measures for potential carriers of the virus, this may include testing residents prior to their move-in date, in line with recent Government guidelines.
If the place where resident is moving-in from has an active outbreak, and the resident shows signs relating to COVID-19, there will be required to self-isolate for at least, 5 full days. Where an isolation period is necessary, residents will benefit from a personalised settling-in period wellbeing program, allowing the team to explore their likes and dislikes, including the types of food they enjoy and the activities they like to spend their time doing.
We have also considered the risk of isolation, and accommodate visitors, for companionship and meaningful engagement during this time.
Our team members continue to be vigilant for any known signs of the virus, and screen residents for variations in body temperature and blood oxygen saturation levels, when clinically appropriate, to identify early signs of an infection. Where changes are noted, further monitoring and testing takes place to confirm diagnose. We have established regular access to GP services and other clinicians.
This has been one of the most difficult times for all of us, but we must continue to follow the guidance available to reduce onward transmission of COVID-19, and we thank you for your understanding, support, and co-operation.