Placing a loved one in a care home during Covid-19
In these uncertain times many people are understandably worried about elderly or vulnerable relatives currently in care homes and keeping them safe. But what should family members do if they need to place a loved one in a care home at this time? Kate Norris from our Later Life Team discusses some points to consider.
First of all, if you need to arrange a package of care at this time don’t worry, care homes are still permitted to accept new residents and so there are options. Understandably though there are strict new procedures in place to protect both new and existing residents.
Most care homes introduced rigorous measures to protect residents, including restrictions on external visitors, ramping up of hygiene procedures, extra training for staff and new residents being asked to isolate for seven days before the Government recommended them. In some cases staff have even moved into homes full-time to provide regular care for residents and limit the risk of the virus being brought in from outside.
Individual care homes have all been affected in different ways and so it is advisable to create a list of potential care home options. If you need help with creating this list our team can help. Having identified a list of homes, you will need to check that they can accept new residents and it is recommended to check whether the particular home has experienced any cases of Covid-19 and how they are currently dealing with it.
It is unlikely that you will be able to visit the care home prior to your relative moving in and so any questions and a tour will need to be done via phone or a video call and homes will be prepared for this.
When it comes to moving in, if your relative has come from hospital, they will have been tested for Covid-19, otherwise a test will be arranged before being admitted. If your relative tests positive for Covid-19 then providing the home can still allow entry to the home, there will be a period of isolation enforced. Visitors may also be restricted to one at a time and so only one family member may be permitted to help with the move.
It is often the small things that count and so check what the care home will allow you to bring and make a list of a few things you’d like to take to help relatives feel more at home and settle in.
If you would like help finding suitable long or short term care providers. We have extensive knowledge of many of the homes for the elderly in the area ranging from flats with communal facilities and support to residential and nursing homes with 24 hour care. Please contact Kate on 01225 750000 or email kate.norris@mogersdrewett.com