The outbreak of COVID-19 presented one of the country’s most significant challenges in recent years. We understand such times are extremely worrying for everyone, not least for the older and more vulnerable members of society and their loved ones.
We continue to follow the Government’s guidance on delivering home care to ensure that we are minimising the risk of spreading the illness whilst still providing our vital service to clients so that they can stay safe and well at home. You can read more below about some of the measures we have in place to ensure the safety of both clients and Care Professionals. This includes use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and robust infection control training and hygiene measures which our Care Professionals follow according to Government guidance.Our Home Instead national office works closely with the UK Home Care Association and Government on behalf of our offices. One of our campaigns called for all supermarkets to change the allocated times for Care Professionals to be able to shop and prioritising online delivery slots for older, more vulnerable people.We also continue to follow direction provided by the UK’s Public Health Authorities and World Health Organisation and keep a close eye on the situation.Everything we do is always with the wellbeing of our clients, teams and Care Professionals foremost in our minds.
Our Care Professionals receive comprehensive training in infection control and follow industry guidance from the UK’s Public Health Authorities and World Health Organisation which includes emphasis on the importance of safe handwashing practice.In line with the latest Government advice all our Care Professionals are working hard to minimise the risk of transmission through safe working procedures. This includes the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) if required by Government guidance. PPE includes the use of masks, aprons, gloves and/or eye protection when delivering care.
If a Care Professional is concerned they may have COVID-19, they are being urged to follow NHS advice. If advised to self-isolate at home, they will follow the Government’s guidance and will not carry out visits until safe to do so.We continue to follow direction provided by the UK’s Public Health Authorities and World Health Organisation, working closely with organisations such as the UK Home Care Association, Age UK and other care providers.If you have a specific concern about your care needs or the needs of a family member, please contact your local office directly and they will be more than happy to reassure you.
NHS: For information on what to do if you think you’re infected, or what steps to take to prevent infection, see advice from the NHS.World Health Organisation (WHO): WHO have provided some useful advice for the general public.Age UK: For COVID-19 information, advice and support relating directly to older people Age UK have provided guidance.GOV.UK: Are you a Care Professional, or just want to know the Government’s latest advice for home care providers?Here’s some guidance on living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.