Covid - 19
Covid-19 Homecare Q+A
Has the COVID19 had any impact on Devon Homecare operating as a business?
Be assured that you are still able to contact Devon Homecare during the coronavirus pandemic. We are still very much continuing to provide superior care to our clients, as well as supporting new clients if you or a loved one needs help in your home. We are available as previously, throughout the week and the weekend. We want to assure you that we are taking all precautionary measures to keep our staff and clients safe.
How have your caregivers changed their practice in light of the corona virus?
From the start of the pandemic we have implemented all the necessary changes and we are following all of the precautions and guidelines set by the government and Health Standards Executive (HSE). All of our our Health care professionals and Careers follow stringent infection control practices to ensure the safety of our clients and their families. This includes regular, thorough hand washing, cleaning and sterilizing of equipment, changing clothes when arriving at the client’s home, use of PPE, and avoiding public transport.
Are there any resources on Covid-19 you would recommend reading?
Being well informed about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risks to yourself and people you care about may help you to keep a more balanced perspective about the pandemic. We hope that you will find the following link useful: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england. I think we should only put the Public Health England link in here as some of the EU guidance may differ from the UK and confuse readers.
Is live-in care a good idea during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live-In Care may be preferable for clients who are extremely vulnerable and need ‘shielding’. Having a live-in nurse or carer will reduce a client’s exposure to the virus by virtue of the fact that fewer nurses or carers will be coming to the house. However, this is not an option for everyone, not least because the client needs to have a spare room in the house for the nurse or carer. We would be pleased to discuss live-in care with you to help you decide if it is suitable for your situation.
How is Devon Homecare monitoring the outbreak as it evolves?
All of our guidance and the procedures that we have put in place follow the latest advice from the Government, Public Health England and the United Kingdom Health Care Association (UKHCA). Communication is key and information is disseminated throughout the entire organization as it is received.
What organization are you working with to help to protect your staff and your clients?
We are collaborating closely with many professional bodies including the Royal College of Nursing, the Nursing Midwifery Council, the United Kingdom Homecare Association and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, to ensure we have up to date information which is relevant to our sector.
Do you have a COVID19 policy?
We have policy which is updated regularly to reflect current government guidance. A copy of our policy is available on request.
How do you deliver services to high risk clients?
Our service continues to deliver quality care high risk patients. Where necessary some patients care has and continues to evolve into instances which live in care is provided in order to minimize the risk of infection. Our services offer flexibility in care options and choosing the right care for the patient is always at the heart of everything we do. We treat all of our clients with the most protection and safety, however, for those who may be more at risk. Those of who are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk of becoming severely ill if they contract the infection.
What measures can I take to minimize the risk of contracting COVID19 from a healthcare visitor?
The healthcare worker should have a supply of PPE which is to be used upon entering the home. You may wish to purchase some supplies yourself in case the healthcare visitor does not have sufficient PPE. Offer hand washing facilities when the visitor enters your home, and provide a clean, fresh towel, or paper towel for hand drying. Maintain social distancing where possible during the visit. Wipe down benches, hand rails and door knobs with an antiseptic solution once the visitor has left.
We aim to keep up to date and share advice about COVID 19. Take a read of some of our other blogs on The Role of Nutrition in COVID-19 recovery, All you need to know about COVID-19, and read about Live-In Care during COVID-19.
If you have any questions regarding our COVID Homecare protocols and would like to enquire about our Homecare services get in contact with us today.
All you need to know about Covid-19
What should you know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle and Body Aches
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Sore Throat
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Other symptoms are signs of serious illness. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake, get medical care immediately.
How can I slow the spread of COVID-19?
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
What do to if you are at risk of being sick?
People of any age, even healthy young adults and children, can get COVID-19.
People who are older or have certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
Other groups may be at higher risk for getting COVID-19 or having more severe illness.
Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19.
You should get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you. People in the UK now aged up to 18 have been offered the vaccine.
Once you are fully vaccinated, you may be able to start doing some things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic if restrictions allow you too.
Testing for COVID-19
Visit your state, tribal, local, external icon and territorial health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. You and your healthcare provider might consider either in-person testing, an at-home collection kit, or an at-home test.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have not been vaccinated and have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, it is still important to stay home even if you are not tested.
What social distancing measures are being taken in the UK?
The government launched its coronavirus action plan on 3 March 2020, which details four stages: contain, delay, mitigate, research.
From the 17th May some more of the restrictions in England have eased. You can now meet up with up to 30 people outside and meet inside with groups of up to six or as two households. Indoor hospitality can now resume as well as other indoor venues such as cinemas and museums.
Social distancing from those who you do not live with is still advised however there is new guidance when meeting friends and family as you can make a personal choice about how much distance you keep from them.
How Can Devon Homecare help?
At Devon Homecare we understand that coping during this pandemic can be very challenging. However, our experienced, compassionate Health care people are here to provide the help and support needed.
Our Registered Nurses are passionate about working with you to develop a unique care plan suited to your needs. Support includes monitoring and controlling symptoms, medication management and working to rebuild self-esteem and confidence.
We aim to keep up to date with the latest current development and news of COVID-19 Take a read of some of our other blogs on our COVID-19 Homecare Q+A and read about Live-In Care during COVID-19.
To find out more about how best we can help you in the days and weeks ahead please call us on 00447879736734 or email info@devonhomecareservices.com
