Answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) and care provision for our clients and their families.
We have business continuity plans in place to cover emergencies such as this pandemic. All Agincare care and support staff follow strict infection, prevention and control guidelines. Inter-office/care home support networks give flexibility in terms of severe lack of staff in any one service; bank staff and, if necessary, agency workers and appropriate volunteers will be utilised. Off-duty staff may be asked to provide cover at short notice if they are available.
All relevant employment protection regulations which may alter at short notice subject to government advice considering the current COVID outbreak would be complied with, relating to the number of hours worked within a specified period and breaks between periods of working. People who are reliant on the service are prioritised for home visits, where others have family who can support them in the interim or non-essential visits are made such as a weekly shopping call for instance.
Please see our latest guidance on care home visiting.
Follow support bubble guidance to safely expand the group of people you have close contact with.
The best way to protect yourself is to follow government advice and stay at home if possible and if in one of the categories of vulnerable people, shield yourself from others by self isolating. Observe good hygiene by:
People who have symptoms and might be infected with COVID-19 are required to stay in isolation at home and should wear a surgical face mask when in the same room as another person and when seeking medical advice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID to anyone else.
Wearing gloves and aprons at home are not required, unless you are supporting someone who has symptoms. Personal Protective equipment (PPE) is widely available.
The Department of Health and Social Care is distributing supplies of face masks and other essential protective equipment to all care providers. Agincare is equipped to continue to care for those who have, or are suspected of having coronavirus-type symptoms and care and support staff will ensure all PPE is worn and disposed of in line with current guidance.
Being isolated can be difficult, but there are ways to maintain your mental and physical health during these times:
There are on-line resources available for dealing with coronavirus anxiety, as well as many local coronavirus support groups and forums. Always check you are using a reputable forum/support group as there have been several reports of scammers targeting people with bogus offers of help.
You do need to obtain an isolation note, which is available by calling 111. If you are working you will need an isolation note after the first 7 days. Isolation notes can be obtained on-line or by phoning 111.
Yes. If you are sharing your home with others, you should stay in a different room from other people or be separated as much as possible. Use a separate bathroom, if available. Make sure that you do not share a room with people who are at risk of severe disease, such as elderly people and those who have heart, lung or kidney conditions, and diabetes.
If you need essential supplies ask a family member or friend (who is not in isolation) to deliver them to your home or shop for groceries online. Have deliveries left at your door.
There is no need to bulk-buy products at supermarkets. It’s important to note the role of family and friends in supporting those in isolation.
Social distancing is required for everyone when they come into contact with others in and out of work.
There is currently no evidence that pets can become sick from Covid-19. It is possible the virus could survive for short periods on a pet (e.g on their fur) but there is no evidence that pets can spread Covid to people.
If you have to self-isolate:
Stay safe by ensuring everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing and there are many ways you can help those affected: