Coronavirus In Care Homes - Risks and Restrictions

Recently, care homes have been hitting the headlines. The government’s controversial handling of the coronavirus crisis has impacted care homes significantly. Many people accuse the government of failing to protect care home residents and staff from COVID-19. In some homes, the virus spread very quickly, leaving residents, staff, and visitors vulnerable. Even in homes where infections are low, many residents are still unable to have visitors. So, what has the government done to address coronavirus in care homes?

Lack of Support

Throughout the crisis, staff at many care homes have expressed concerns about a lack of government support. A lot of staff have reported shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Some homes have had to buy PPE at inflated prices due to the lack of equipment. This puts everybody in a care home at risk: residents, staff, and visitors alike.

The environment of a care home also poses an issue. After all, it is essentially a communal home and with many occupants. This means that if one person were to get symptoms of COVID-19, it would be difficult to contain the virus.

There has been lots of focus on protecting hospitals, and rightly so. It’s essential to avoid overcrowding in hospitals so that the NHS doesn’t become overwhelmed. However, earlier this year many patients were discharged from hospitals directly into care homes without being tested for coronavirus. The Independent reported that more than 25,000 patients were discharged into care homes in just one month, with no requirement for testing. Of course, this caused widespread controversy. Many older people said they felt that the government was treating them as expendable.

Coronavirus Restrictions in Care Homes

It goes without saying that the pandemic has been very difficult for all of us. However, it has affected care home residents and their families more than most. In order to minimise cases of coronavirus in care homes, residents’ friends and relatives have in some cases been banned from visiting. Naturally, this can be very distressing for residents and their families alike. Loneliness among the elderly is already a big issue. There are concerns that isolation will only worsen this problem, particularly for those with dementia and similar conditions.

Before Care Homes, Think Careline

Even before the threat of coronavirus in care homes, moving your loved one into residential care is a big decision. Before you decide, consider whether a Careline alarm could offer your relative the reassurance they need. Our alarm users can quickly call for assistance whenever they need it. They have access to our 24/7 Care Team 365 days a year, giving you and your loved ones total peace of mind. You can order your Careline alarm online today.

Careline365 is committed to keeping our alarm users safe in their homes. Our expert Care Team are always on hand to help, answering alarm calls in just 6 seconds on average. If you have any questions about how a Careline alarm can help your loved one, call us on 0800 101 3333. Alternatively, send us your query online using this handy form.