During the current pandemic, it’s vitally important that we continue to provide for those who rely on care in a strict, safe and sensible manner. For those who are currently working as healthcare assistants, whether that be for a company, privately or for a friend/relative; recent weeks have forced a change in healthcare processes in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Currently, the safest form of care is home care, which dramatically reduces the risk of infection from person to person transmission. Our specially trained TrinityCarers can quarantine with the client inside of their home – away from large groups of people. When compared to the likes of a care home, with a high volume of people living, entering and returning. This dramatically reduces the number of people that the client is exposed to – and for visiting care services, Trinity Homecare have minimised the number of carers required to provide for each client to ensure human-to-human contact is at its lowest possible level.
What are Trinity Homecare doing to protect clients during COVID-19?
In many circumstances, those who rely on care are the most vulnerable of the population. That’s why Trinity Homecare has taken strict measures to ensure we are protecting our clients in these uncertain times. This article outlines how to provide safe care at home during COVID-19 using the current recommended guidelines from healthcare and virology professionals across the world.
Wearing PPE
Whilst we provide the care our clients desperately need, our TrinityCarers are using a range of PPE equipment to protect both themselves and their companions. The recommended PPE items to use whilst providing care are:
- Disposable plastic gloves
- Disposable plastic apron
- Fluid resistant surgical mask
- Eye Protection such as clear plastic goggles or a visor
Disposing of PPE
Where PPE has been worn during a visit to a household, the PPE should be doubled bagged and dated. Government guidance recommends it is then left in the household for a total of 72 hours before being placed into general waste. We have strictly adhered to this process to ensure that all PPE is disposed of safely.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
As the virus can remain on external surfaces, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help keep your home safe. That’s why our care assistants have kept the households they tend to clean and infection-free during the current health crisis.
Minimising number of carers to clients
Trinity healthcare quickly responded to the developments of COVID-19 by minimising the number of care assistants that are necessary to provide for each client. This drastically decreases the number of care assistants that each client is exposed to, particularly for daily homecare services, massively reducing the potential of transmission.
Paying close attention to those we are caring for
We are closely monitoring those we are caring for to make sure that any potential symptoms are reported and acted upon. We can then take the necessary precautions to ensure any risks are diminished at source. The key symptoms to look out for are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough. You can find all the symptoms of Coronavirus here.
‘Outstanding rated’ organisation
You can trust Trinity Homecare to provide the safest possible care during the current crisis. We have the safest processes and ways of operation, and recently received exceptional praise from the Care Quality Commission for our level of organisation amongst the Trinity Homecare team.
What you can do to stay safe during COVID-19
Here is a step-by-step list you can stick to in order to stay safe during the current health situation. All members of staff at Trinity Homecare have been practicing the latest government guidance that is included within this list over the previous weeks.
Only leave the house for essentials
You should only leave the house for essential products to ensure your risk of infection is lowered. This means no unnecessary journeys or social contact whilst you are self-isolating at home.
Do NOT meet others, even friends or family members!
There have been a large number of confirmed Coronavirus cases that have been symptomless, with many individuals completely unaware that they are carrying the virus. Additionally, it can take a number of days for the virus to cause symptoms. Any of your friends/family could be completely unaware that they are carrying the virus, and meeting them for any reason is a huge risk. Stay safe, stay home.
Stay 2 metres away from other people at all times
If you are to leave the house, social distancing practices such as staying two metres apart from one another can help reduce the transmission from one person to another. Many public places that are still open for business, such as supermarkets, have guidelines within the store to help you. If you have access to a surgical mask when leaving the house, use it.
Wash your hands regularly
Wash your hands regularly to ensure you are keeping them clean. This applies particularly when you are arriving home after leaving the house, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Do so for 20 seconds using soap or hand sanitizer – the correct technique can be found here.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Another tip for safe care during COVID-19 is to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is to keep both you and those around you safe. If you have come into contact with the virus on your hands, touching yourself in these areas can higher the chance of becoming ill – highlighting the importance of our previous point; washing your hands!
Cover your mouth with a bent elbow, or tissue, when coughing or sneezing
The virus can be passed through air particles when you are to cough or sneeze, so if you do need to do it, aim for your bent elbow or some tissue paper – helping prevent the virus spread.
Stay informed – link
To ensure you are doing all you can to keep yourself and those around you safe, stay up to date with government guidance to find the latest updates and advice.
Homecare – the safest form of care
Live-in and Visiting Home Care services help clients with a range of disabilities self-isolate safely and comfortably in their homes. If you are looking for the safest form of care for yourself or a loved one during the current pandemic – trust Trinity Homecare. We have and will continue to do everything in our power to stick to healthcare safety guidelines and keep our clients safe. Our award-winning and ‘outstanding rated’ services will continue to be the safest form of care throughout the current health situation.
