Care home admissions during coronavirus

All Pilgrims’ Friend Society homes are currently able to provide a home for new residents. Find out how we're welcoming people into our care homes while taking extra precautions due to the coronavirus.

HOW WE’RE KEEPING RESIDENTS SAFE IN OUR HOMES

We’re continuing to follow Government guidelines on PPE, hand sanitation and social distancing where possible. Our staff undertake mandatory training on PPE, both practical and online, we have comprehensive infection control risk assessments in place, and we have sourced an increased amount of PPE, including hand sanitisers, as well as all staff wearing masks and additional PPE where necessary.

We have a designated Covid -19 Lead and PPE Lead within the Operations Team and our Managers receive regular updates to ensure they are all up to date with legislation and guidance. As member of the National Care Forum we have extra support from their experts.

KEEPING UP WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

We’ve been working hard to make sure that those who live in our homes are able to stay as connected as possible to their loved ones while visits aren’t able to happen as usual.
All residents can have an unlimited number of named visits within the home, although visits must be booked in advance and cannot be large gatherings of multiple visitors. Our homes also have screened areas for socially distanced visiting should that be preferred. Window and garden visits can also take place. Tests are required before a visit, and visitors will be required to wear PPE.

All homes have a computer tablet which is being used regularly to connect residents with their friends and family, and residents are also supported to write to family members or send cards. Each home has its own Facebook page for family and friends to connect with what is happening in the home.

STARTING LIFE IN A NEW HOME

In order to keep everyone safe, new residents who come to us from hospital will be kept in a protective bubble for 14 days. During this time, they will be cared for by our highly-trained staff which means that, although they need to remain in their room, they will be supported and looked after really well and do not feel alone.

Our care teams can support with the use of video calls during this time to ensure that the new resident is able to keep in contact with their loved ones even though they can’t receive visitors. We also encourage other residents to call at the bedroom door to introduce themselves and welcome them, whilst socially distancing.

COMMUNITY AND WELL-BEING

Our Christian faith is at the heart of daily life in all of our homes and we have worked hard to make sure that residents have devotional opportunities most days. In some homes, external supporters and local church leaders have been able to lead virtual services. We are still able to use our dining room for meals and our Activities and Community Events (ACE) Facilitators have been working throughout the lockdown to keep up activities. Those living with dementia are continuing to be supported by our specialist Hummingbirds. Residents are in a bubble within the home and encouraged to follow good infection control procedures, including regular hand washing.

ENQUIRIES

Initial enquires are welcome – we offer a virtual tour of the home and then, if possible, a visit in person to the home. These visits will be limited to two people and will be restricted to certain areas of the home in order to ensure the ongoing safety of our current residents and members of staff. The exact itinerary for a tour will be confirmed on the day of your visit by the Care Home Manager.

HOW CARE ASSESSMENTS ARE CARRIED OUT

Before a new resident comes to live in one of our homes, a care assessment is carried out. These assessments are done either in person of via a video call, usually with a relative or friend supporting the new resident. In some circumstances, they can be carried out by visiting in an empty room offsite and in conjunction with relatives or friends. Health Care professionals can also input into the assessment via email or video call if needed.

TESTING

In line with government guidance we are testing all residents every month and staff three times a week with Lateral Flow Device Tests (LFDs) as well as weekly with PCR tests. This is mainly done by senior staff in our care teams who has received specific training to conduct the tests. Staff can also carry out their own LFD tests at home if trained.