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Coronavirus (Covid-19): Keeping you safe and well
The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has been an anxious time for everyone, and you may be especially worried if you, or someone you love, is at particular risk because of older age or a medical condition.
Sadly, coronavirus has already taken a terrible toll in care homes and this may be one reason you’re thinking about alternative options for care.
This is where we can help because we are already experts in caring for older people and those with disabilities or long-term conditions. And we do this where you feel safest – in your own home.
Choosing care in your home
The pandemic is highlighting how live-in care can give you extra peace of mind because it means you don’t come into contact with lots of other people who might have coronavirus. Limiting contacts is also in line with government advice on coronavirus and safe care for older people and others who are vulnerable.
There are so many extra benefits of Vitality live-in care during the coronavirus pandemic:
- We can limit your number of contacts with others, which is in line with government coronavirus guidance on care for older people and others who are vulnerable.
- If you’re unable to go out, you can rely on your Personal Assistant to run essential errands such as doing your shopping and collecting your medicines.
- Our medical team is always on hand to offer advice and care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. They also stay up to speed on the latest medical knowledge about coronavirus.
- We stay up-to-date on government coronavirus guidance, and follow it to help keep everyone safe during this time.
We get to know you well, and our staff can recognise when you’re falling ill. They will know what to do.
Emotional and family support
We care about you as a person and really get to know you. Your Personal Assistant’s friendly companionship is an antidote against loneliness, which has been a devastating side effect of lockdown for so many people.
For people with dementia, the restrictions of lockdown and the need for PPE can be disorienting and frightening. We think one-to-one care from someone you know well can go a long way towards soothing this confusion and fear.
When you’re being cared for in your own home, support from your Personal Assistant may also make it easier to have visits from family and friends within the latest government rules.
For example, your Personal Assistant can ensure social distancing measures are followed correctly. They can even arrange for a 15-minute test on the day of the visit. This is important, because family and friends can unknowingly take the virus into your home, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Our smart technology helps you keep in touch online, too. You can log in securely, read the daily notes and even send messages. For families who want to stay involved with a loved one’s health and wellbing, but have to do it at a distance, this has proven invaluable.
Steps we take against coronavirus
Your safety and health – and that of our colleagues – is always our top priority. Here are just a few of the steps we’re taking to respond to the coronavirus.
- Vaccinations. All our staff are being vaccinated against the coronavirus. All our customers are offered complimentary travel from our transport service, Vitality Assist, to take you safely to your vaccination appointment and back home again. Wheelchair assistance vehicles are also available if you need this.
- Training. This is vital, so we keep everyone on our team up-to-date on best practice and the latest advice.
- Infection control policies. We already have strong policies in place to protect all of our customers and staff against infections. Added to this, we stay on top of the latest coronavirus guidance and make sure it’s being followed in your home.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE). Your carers know when to use PPE, for example when providing close-contact personal care, and they have been trained how to use and dispose of it correctly. We supply everything they need, including gloves, masks, aprons, shoe covers, surgical gowns and face shields.
- Checking temperatures. We also provide non-contact infrared thermometers for extra reassurance.
- Coronavirus testing. Our customers and staff have quick access to testing whenever they need it. All our Personal Assistants are tested weekly and we can even do this at your home, so there is no unnecessary travel. For extra safety, when your Personal Assistant starts their rotation, they will always have a 15-minute test before they come into your home.
- Smart technology. We closely monitor staff and customers for symptoms: our smart technology, which keeps the whole team in close communication and allows them to share information with ease, makes this very efficient.
- Going the extra mile for our staff. We know that when we take good care of your Personal Assistant, they’re best able to take good care of you. So, regular breaks are important. Vitality Home Health has numerous properties in which staff can stay free of charge, with all amenities, where regular testing can be carried out. Alternatively, hotel accommodation is available at our expense. We are determined to keep our staff as safe as possible during this time of crisis, and that helps us keep you safe, as well.
The pandemic can be a difficult time for carers, too. We are always there to support our colleagues, any time of the night or day, every day of the year. We never use agency staff and all carers are employed by us, so they are part of the close-knit Vitality Home Health family.
If you would like the most current advice on the virus, visit the NHS website.