What care is available to elderly people who are affected by Coronavirus
Please note: this information was last updated 25th September 2020 – please consult government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
The elderly have been identified as one of the most at risk demographics for coronavirus. It is important that you understand what care is available should you or a loved one be showing symptoms, or have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
The guide below is aimed at helping you understand:
- what support is available should additional care be needed
- what to do if a carer is already visiting your or your loved one at home
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FAQ: Care options for an elderly person with coronavirus
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Can elderly people suffering from coronavirus still get professional care support?
Yes, regardless of whether you have or have had coronavirus, you will still be eligible for additional care support in your own home or at a care home.
If you are in a position where you require additional care support, please enter your postcode here to find providers in your local area.
Are care homes accepting new residents who have had coronavirus?
Yes. Many care homes will be accepting patients who may have COVID-19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. However, there will be instances where several care homes are not in a position to accept new residents. For example, they may be short staffed or already at capacity.
All care homes are playing a vital role in this national effort to care for those in need, including accepting patients who are being discharged from hospital to allow for the NHS to care for those with greater needs, or where people require more care than they can receive at home.
However, to help minimise the risk to all residents in care homes all new residents will be asked to self isolate in their own room for 14 days
Will care homes re-admit residents who have been in hospital with coronavirus?
Yes. Whilst care homes will not be forced to admit residents who have, or have been previously diagnosed with coronavirus, many will be happy to do so.
Care homes and their staff will all be following very strict guidelines on social distancing and shielding to ensure the health and safety of all residents and staff, whilst providing the very best care possible.
Any new resident, who is entering the home either as a re-admission or for the first time. Will be asked to self isolate in their own room for 14 days.
Will home carers continue to visit elderly people who have coronavirus?
All care professionals are dedicated to looking after their clients, and will continue to do so should they develop coronavirus.
However, all carers must also ensure their own safety and will be proactive in preventing the spread of this virus. This means that it may not be the normal carer who visits during this time and all carers who do visit someone with coronavirus will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and surgical masks.
Should you experience any symptoms or believe you or anyone you live with may have coronavirus, it is vital you let your care provider know so they can take all required precautions.
Is it safe for carers to visit me at home, in case they also visit people who have coronavirus?
If you are receiving care at home, it is still safe for your carer(s) to enter your home to provide essential care.
All care workers are following very strict guidelines on visiting and caring for clients, to ensure that they limit the spread of infection and that everyone is getting the very best possible care.
Should a care provider be informed that one of their clients is showing symptoms, or has been confirmed to have coronavirus, in addition to ensuring all guidelines are followed, they may try to limit the number of carers who visit that client, or where possible try to limit the number of clients this carer will visit to help prevent potential cross contamination.
If you have any concerns regarding this, please speak directly to your carer who will be able to advise you of all the specific protocols they are following.
What PPE should home carers be wearing when visiting an elderly person with coronavirus symptoms?
Should you be experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, it is vital you inform your care providers immediately. This allows them to take preventative measures when visiting you to help reduce the spread of the virus and ensure you continue to get the best care possible.
Prior to the carer entering the home of a suspected case, they may use a combination of the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Disposable gloves
- A disposable plastic aprons
- A surgical mask
- Eye/face protection