03/04/2020
As we continue to combat the global pandemic of COVID-19, the old age āprevention is better than cureā is important in curbing the spread of the virus. Loving Angels Care remains committed to providing specialised care services, whilst maintaining compliance with the changing government guidance. The health and safety of our staff and service users in these times are paramount.
In accordance with the national lockdown currently in effect, our offices are closed, with office staff working from home, remotely. This means our service will continue to run as normal. 10 new members of staff were brought in prior to the lockdown to facilitate continuity. Communication was sent out to all staff regarding any concerns they may have, as well as guidance on how to self-isolate. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons, sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes has been made available to members of staff who will be providing care to service users.
Due to the nature of the support we provide, we support some of the most vulnerable people in society. As such we follow the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness when administering care. All service users have also received phone calls informing them of any relevant updates and about any contingency plans that relate to their care.
Pre-emptive measures have been taken to ensure the safety of both staff and service users as we continue to provide services.
For service users namely, risk assessments are conducted to highlight service users who have additional risk factors. Service users in high infectious consequence category are identified and there is subsequent implementation of personalised control measures, which are dependent on health, environment, staff allocation and resources.
For service users that are at high-risk, the adequate PPE is acquired and hand washing provisions such as soap and running warm water are made available. There is further assessment for other people living in the household and their potential impact on our infection control practice. In terms of visitors, signage will be placed in each property reminding visitors, not only to wash hands on arrival, but to also avoid shaking hands to greet people. Service users are advised to accept vital visitors and remind those visitors to wash hands and keep safe distance from them (2 metres). Technology such as Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime or Facebook chats are recommended for service users to maintain contact with relatives.
Our workforce is a vital part of keeping the vulnerable we support safe. However, it is also one of the main routes of transmission for Covid-19. Our staff are asked to strongly adhere to the social isolation guidelines in place to protect themselves as well as the service users. Personal contact is limited to necessity only. Otherwise, staff are to remain 2 metres away from service users were possible. Additional time is allowed for advanced cleaning to take place within the setting. Staff is also provided at least 2 uniforms and are instructed to launder their uniforms daily. Should any member of staff develop symptoms or reside with anyone showing symptoms, they are strongly advised to refrain from work for an isolation period of 14 days.
With these measures Loving Angels Care aims to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all our stakeholders, so that we can curb the spread of this pandemic.
If you are worried about a loved one who may need some extra care or support, call us today on 0333 355 3126 for a telephone care needs assessment.
