Covid-19 Homecare Q+A

July 20, 2020 COVID-19

Covid-19 Homecare Q+A

Has the COVID19 had any impact on Cavendish Homecare operating as a business?

Be assured that you are still able to contact Cavendish 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 nurses and carers changed their practice in light of the coronavirus?

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 Registered Nurses and Carers follow stringent infection control practices to ensure the safety of our clients and their families. This includes regular, thorough hand washing, cleaning and sterilising 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: 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 because 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 Cavendish 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 organisation as it is received.

What organisations 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 a policy that 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 to high-risk patients. Where necessary some patient’s care has and continues to evolve into instances in which live in care is provided to minimise 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 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 minimise 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, handrails, and doorknobs with an antiseptic solution once the visitor has left.