COVID-19

Latest updates from Quality HomeCare NorthWest Limited:

22 May 2020

08 April 2020

26 March 2020

11 March 2020

Scroll down to see earlier updates.

Update Statement

22 May 2020

New guidance for home care sector.

The Department of Health and Social Care have published new guidance to help protect people receiving care in their own homes from coronavirus, covering infection control measures and access to PPE.

It states that home care workers will be able to access testing, in the same way as others working in the social care sector.

As the pandemic progresses, the Department of Health and Social Care will continue to review and update the guidance. You can read the full guidance in the useful links tab on this page.

Update Statement

08 April 2020

At Quality HomeCare, we are totally aware how important it is for our Service Users and their families to receive the very best support and expertise from their Carers. Whilst we always endeavour to go the extra mile, it is more important than ever now to ensure that our Service Users receive nothing but the best care and support, even though some are shielding or self-isolating at home.

We know a visit from one of our Carers really puts a smile on a Service User’s face and boost their morale. This social interaction is very important for their mental health and general wellbeing.

We support and help all our Service Users to video call and talk to their family members and friends using the latest technology.

All our Service Users received a free Hamper from Quality HomeCare which we know was very much appreciated and put a lovely smile on everyone’s face.

We continue to perform shopping calls and collect prescriptions to help avoid unnecessary contact with others.

We continue to follow the direction provided by the UK’s Public Health Authorities and World Health Organisation and review the guidance daily. We use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure your loved ones are safe and as comfortable as possible. We are there to care so family members can continue to self-isolate to further minimise the chances of spreading infection.

All of our Carers receive the very best of training which includes infection prevention, handwashing and the safe use and removal of required PPE. Our Carers also clean any surfaces that they have touched during their calls and are provided with all the necessary equipment required for this. We are currently waiting for the arrival of our non-contactable IR thermometers so we can check individuals as and when required.

We have a great relationship with all our Service Users which means we can always spot any changes in their health and adapt our care and support appropriately. We will also notify loved ones if anything new arises and keep them up to date with how everything is going. We understand that this is a worrying time and you will be concerned about your loved ones but we want to provide you with peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to keep our Service Users safe and as comfortable as possible at home.

Update Statement

26 March 2020

The Prime Minister addressed the nation on Monday regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 70s were told to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks and our management team have been preparing for this eventuality for a while now. Broader restrictions are to be imposed with strict new limits to our daily lives.

We are working tirelessly monitoring the ever changing situation with the wellbeing of our Service Users and Carers always at the foremost of our minds.

Unfortunately there has been a rise in panic buying from food stores and we would like to reassure our service users that we will continue to provide our shopping service for them during these difficult times. We are also talking to the local shop owners and managers to allow us to gain access to what our service users need as a matter of urgency. Hopefully allocated slots will be provided by all the main stores which would allow providers to gain access to food for vulnerable people as quickly as possible and when required.

We are doing and shall continue to do everything possible to ensure that life in our service user’s homes, are as safe and normal as possible. A huge thank you goes out to all our service users, families, carers and staff for your on-going support towards Quality HomeCare, it really is very much appreciated.

As ever, we wish everyone all the very best at this most difficult of times.

Update Statement

11 March 2020

At Quality HomeCare Northwest Limited, the health and safety of our Service Users, Carers and staff is our number one priority.

In light of the WHO declaring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak a pandemic, Quality HomeCare NorthWest Limited has taken comprehensive action to mitigate the risks to Service Users, Casrers and staff within our homecare organisation. A COVID-19 CONTINGENCY PLAN is in place to use if required.

This page details the latest advice from Quality HomeCare about the steps we are implementing.

For comprehensive information about the coronavirus itself, please use our useful links page.

Unfortunately, older people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 so we want to reassure everyone that we are monitoring the situation closely to avoid the risks of spreading the virus.

All our staff are up to date regarding infection control training and we have advised them to follow the industry guidance on hygiene from the UK’s Public Health Authorities, World Health Organisation and UKHCA with particular focus regarding handwashing, PPE and other hygiene measures.

There will be no visitors to office moving forward and PPE shall be delivered to all staff as and when required.

All carers will to be kept stocked with all Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, aprons, masks and hand sanitiser gel. They have also been provided with antibacterial wipes to clean door handles of their cars and for use within the service users home as and when required.

If the office closes all senior staff will still deliver their care calls and then work from home if possible.

All employees have been issued with up to date Public health Guidelines regarding COVID-19 and are continually updated as the guidelines change.

All service users and their relevant family members have been issued government guidelines regarding COVID-19 and the Registered Manager has had discussions with all service user’s or their relevant family members/ Acting power of Attorney about COVID=19.

Customers will be RAG (red, amber, green) reported into 3 categories based on their needs of care and this information will be shared with the relevant local authorities.

Quality HomeCare will continue to follow the guidance provided by the UK’s Public Health Authorities and World Health Organisation and when required, liaise with organisations such as the UKHCA, Age UK and other care providers.

Useful Links

Please find below some useful links that might answer any questions or concerns you may have relating to the virus, prevention or support.

NOTE: The links on this page will be updated as and when more useful information becomes available.

GOV.UK

If you’re a Carer, or just want to know the Government’s latest advice for home care providers, then please click this link for more information: Government COVID-19: Guidance on Home Care Provision.

The guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and protecting older and vulnerable adults can be found in this link: Government COVID-19: Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Some very useful advice and information for the general public can be found on the following WHO link:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public.

NHS

For information on what to do if you think you’re infected, or what steps to take to prevent infection, see the advice published by the NHS by clicking this link: Advice For Everyone on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Age UK

For COVID-19 advice & support relating directly to older people, then please click the link for more information: Information about coronavirus (COVID-19).