Coronavirus update 7th October 2020

We are continually reviewing the government advice daily to ensure we are assessing all risks and taking all appropriate actions.  We will work with our families, residents, staff, suppliers and other key stakeholders to minimise the risk.

On Tuesday 6th October Nottinghamshire County Council informed us that due to a dramatic rise in COVID cases in the county they were recommending that all care homes limit visiting as follows:

“Visiting will be restricted to:
• Visits from professionals who cannot undertake important tasks remotely: for example, this may include safeguarding, statutory advocacy in certain circumstances and flu vaccination.
• Exceptional visits from family or significant others – for example to support end of life care, or where a person’s wellbeing is so adversely impacted it presents a significant risk.”
• Their advice will be reviewed in two weeks’ time - but is unlikely to change.

Whilst this is frustrating for us all the increases in the infection in the wider community is concerning. We will continue to review our policies in relation to visits and coronavirus as the advice and guidance changes.

The  testing of all care home residents monthly and all care home staff weekly has started and it will enhance the care of our residents.

When visiting can recommence the following guideline will continue to apply. We will offer periods of time out in the garden and the grounds of both home’s for you to spend time with your loved ones in groups of up to six people from different households, following social distancing guidelines.

However, in order to ensure the safety of yourself, our residents and staff the following, common-sense, rules will apply, please do the following:

• Visits will be scheduled as the visiting areas have to be disinfected between visits, you must vacate when your designated time is up to allow staff to disinfect the area ready for the next visit.
• Hand sanitiser will be provided, please use it before and after the visit
• You should wear a face shield (mask) as we know that the virus is spread by droplets from the lungs.
• You must remain at a 2-metre distance from anyone at all times. unfortunately, at this time, it is not safe to touch your loved one, even wearing gloves and masks or other forms of PPE.
• You should bring your own refreshments as, at present, we cannot offer any items that have been in the care home.
• Avoid meal times.
• If the home is evacuated you should attend the designated evacuation point.

If possible the following will assist us all to stay safe

• Where you are able please bring your own seating, that you have disinfected before and after the visit.
• The majority of our residents are in the ‘high risk’ category and we must protect them as much as practicably possible. Keep well and socially distanced.  The less pressure our health services have, the more likely we can get help from GPs, community nurses and the hospitals when we need them. Also this lowers the risks when you visit.

Please do NOT do the following

• Do not turn up unannounced.
• You must not visit the home if you are unwell or have symptoms of coronavirus. The Government state: Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has any of the following:
  • a high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
  • Feeling tired, achy or lethargic
• When visiting the home, you must not enter the home, you will be guided to the designated area by a member of staff.
• If you are shielding please do not visit
• If you have had symptoms or are awaiting COVID  test results you must not visit.
• Please avoid bringing young children.
• No visits will be taking place in adverse weather conditions and during hot, sunny days, visits will be limited to 1hr, this is to prevent the risk of sun burn and sun stroke for our residents.

• Both homes reserve the right to instruct anyone not adhering to the measures set out to leave the site.

If you have any questions relating to the virus and how it will impact life at our homes, please speak to the Home Manager.