What Covid precautions in homecare should you expect to see?
Our clients rely upon the help that they receive from Gardiner’s. Our team help those they support to stay fit, healthy, happy and safe. Gardiner’s takes many Covid precautions in homecare and the service we provide in order to keep our staff and clients safe.
Vaccination
Our team were very supportive of the drive to get vaccinated. Take-up was exceptionally high at 95%. Most staff have now also had their 4th booster jab.
Testing
Early detection helps to prevent the spread of Covid. Our team all have access to free lateral flow tests which are used if the staff members has any symptoms of Covid.
Training & Infection Control
All of our staff have undertaken repeated training in relation to Covid, infection control, and the use of PPE. Our team understands the symptoms of Covid-19.
Infection control is of key importance. You will notice that Care Workers will frequently be washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
In line with current guidance – all staff will wear disposable surgical face masks if
- the service user would prefer that Care Workers wear a mask
- the care worker prefers to wear a mask
- the care worker is a household or overnight contact of someone who has had a positive Covid test
- the service user is known or suspected to have Covid.
Gloves and aprons are worn where contact is required.
For any client with symptoms of Covid-19, or where they live with someone displaying symptoms, we find ways to help whilst avoiding contact that could lead to the spread amongst our staff and clients. If possible, we will suspend care for the short isolation period or adapt working ways to avoid close contact.
Staffing levels
Throughout the pandemic, we have managed staff levels well. In the event of staff shortages, we prioritise attendance to those clients most in need of our support. We do urge all clients to have a backup plan for this possibility and will maintain close communication with you.
Full guidance: COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What can you do to help stop viruses from spreading?
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
If you have a question about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to our service, please do contact us by calling 01183347474.