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Choosing a care home in a pandemic

We know that choosing the right care home for yourself or your loved one can be a difficult decision, made even harder recently due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we want to reassure you that you can still settle comfortably in one of our homes where we will look after you and take care of all your individual needs.

Whilst many things have changed as a result of the pandemic, one thing you can be certain of is that the quality of care you will receive in our homes from our experienced and dedicated team of healthcare professionals, has not.

They have shown themselves to be true heroes supporting residents and their families through these unprecedented and challenging times, keeping everyone’s spirits high when it’s been needed most.

They continue to work with GPs, hospitals, health professionals, local authorities and of course relatives to ensure all residents are being admitted safely into their chosen Coverage Care home.

Below you will find some questions and answers which you may find useful when considering a place in one of our homes, but we’d always encourage you to get in touch with us if you would like further information, as we understand that each person’s needs are different.

I’m currently looking for a care home. Will I be able to view one of your homes before deciding whether I want to move?

Yes of course. Deciding on a care home is a life-changing and significant decision and we understand how important it is for people to get a feel for what their new home may be like. Initially, staff will provide a virtual tour of your chosen home via Zoom or Skype so you can become familiar with different areas of the home, how big it is and what it looks like. You will be shown key areas, such as a bedroom, living areas, dining spaces and any garden or outside areas.

If you like what you see, either yourself as the resident or a designated family member will then be invited to visit the home. It may not be possible to show you all parts of the home during the pre-visit, but we do our best to ensure you see enough to get a good feel for the services we offer and the friendly caring environment we provide. Anyone taking part in a tour will be asked to sign our visiting protocol, undergo an LFD Covid-19 test, have their temperature taken and be asked to wear PPE in line with our infection control guidance. Visitors will be asked not to touch surfaces, equipment or doors during their visit.

How will you assess my care needs before coming to stay at one of your homes?

We are conducting exactly the same thorough assessment of individual care needs as we did prior to the pandemic; the only difference is these are carried out via telephone calls and internet calls with new residents and their families rather than in person. Our care teams also liaise with other health professionals, local GPs and any home care providers to make sure we have as much information as possible to enable us to put together a detailed individual care plan ahead of your arrival.

Before I come to stay, what else will you do to help me adjust and get ready for the move?

Prior to your arrival, our care staff will be in touch with you or a family member to answer any questions and find out as much information about you as possible, including your hobbies and interests, the things you like and don’t like and any particular aspects of your daily life which you wish to continue once you come to stay with us. We’ll also conduct any follow-up calls with relevant health professionals before you arrive with us. Our aim is to make the transition to your new home as easy and comfortable as possible.

What assistance will I get during the 14-day introductory period from care home staff?

Our approach at Coverage Care is to develop individual person-centred care plans so that you get the level of care and assistance you require and want during your stay with us. As mentioned above, during the first 14 days staff will spend time getting to know you and your needs and you will be assisted in whatever way possible. We have dedicated well-being staff who can arrange activities for you in your room, support you with meals and provide company when you need it.

What is an essential care giver, and will I be able to designate someone to fulfil this role?

New guidance issued by the Government has highlighted that in ‘exceptional circumstances’ care homes can support residents and their families with identifying an essential care giver. This person might be someone that is able to provide either specific care needs or emotional support to a resident. For example, a resident’s refusal to eat unless they are in the company of a partner or loved one may present a real risk of physical deterioration.

In such circumstances, the essential care giver, is deemed to play a central role in delivering care and support alongside professional carers and as such guidance allows for these people to spend more time in the home and have closer contact with the person they are supporting.

At Coverage Care, as mentioned above, we will be working closely with residents and their families to help identify where there may be a need for an essential care giver role, particularly when it comes to residents who are new to the home. We believe this will help the settling-in process for residents who have very specific needs. We hope it will also reduce some of the anxiety felt by family members as they help transition their loved one into a new care environment.

It is likely that those people identified as an essential care giver will be spending more time in our homes and will also have closer contact with residents, therefore we will be asking them to take further steps to reduce the risk of infection to themselves, other residents and staff. This will include taking a rapid Lateral Flow Test before each visit to a home, a weekly PCR test and agree to more regular testing if necessary.

Although we continue to face strange times, we are moving to a positive situation and hopefully over the next few months, we will begin to see a shift in the impact of the pandemic on everyone and everything.

In the meantime we would like to reassure you that you or your loved one will be cared for by a team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals, who put residents at the heart if everything they do.

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Registered Address:
Allison House, Oxon Business Park,
Shrewsbury, SY3 5HJ

Registered in England and Wales as a not-for-profit registered society. Registration Number: 28304R

Central Office:
Phone: 01743 283 200
Email: enquiry@coveragecareservices.co.uk

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