It can feel quite daunting accepting care at home for the first time, particularly during COVID-19 times. We understand it can be a worrying time for you but when you’re armed with the right information and questions to ask, you can feel confident that not only are you getting the right care for you but that it is as safe as possible.
We’ve pulled together our top 5 things to look out for when choosing a care provider at these times to ensure you’re in safe hands:
Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We use gloves, aprons, masks, hand-sanitiser and soap and have developed and built our own visors. If you’re self-isolating or shielding, we are following all the guidance to ensure we provide you with safe care. We also wear masks as standard for your initial assessment meeting so you can feel reassured from your first meeting with us.
2. Full COVID focused carer training
We have refreshed all our training on hygiene and infection control to make sure that all our carers are adhering to best practice when it comes to preventing the spread of the infection.
3. Good staffing levels
We are continuing to recruit to ensure that, even if members of our team need to self-isolate, we have the staffing levels needed not only to support our existing clients but to ensure that we can provide support and care to new clients.
4. Regular check-ins
Regular check ins over Zoom or telephone with carers, clients and family members who don’t live locally means that everyone is feeling the team support during these challenging times.
5. Following official guidance
We follow the Government’s guidance on delivering home care to ensure we’re minimising the risk of spread whilst still providing the vital service to
you so you can stay safe and well at home. We also follow direction from Public Health Authorities and the World Health Organisation to keep a close eye on updates.
6. Weekly testing of all staff
7. Active vaccination programme for all carers
We know that anyone could say that they have all of the above in place, and that’s great, but how does it really feel to have carers coming into your home at the moment?
Our carers have shared how they feel providing care during these times plus some great feedback they have received from clients who have noticed the lengths we go to to keep everyone safe and happy.
“During the COVID-19 situation, Abney & Baker has pulled out all the stops. The clients’ families all feel relaxed that we’re taking things seriously. The retraining has been brilliant and welcome too to give us the confidence to continue giving the best care we can.”
“Throughout COVID-19 I feel we have been thoroughly supported and kept informed given the uncertainty of everything. I feel Abney & Baker have pulled together and worked well as a team to be the best we can possibly be.”
“Abney & Baker have supported me since I started working for them in October last year. Since the COVID-19 outbreak they have given us full training. They are always updating care plans for clients but also making sure the carers are happy too.”
We know taking that first step to enquiring about care and support can feel like a giant leap at the best of times but by asking the right questions and being armed with the right information, you can be sure you’re receiving the best possible care with a company that genuinely cares.
If you’d like to find out how we can support you to continue living happily, safely and confidently in your own home, give your local branch a call on the numbers below or book a call and we’ll get back to you.
Helping you to continue living independently and confidently in your own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 or email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com