Coronavirus

Abbots Care Ltd are following the latest guidance from the UK Government and NHS England to ensure the continued safety of our valued customers and care staff.

We would like to reassure new and existing customers that all our care staff are closely following the latest government guidelines surrounding coronavirus, to ensure you continue to receive the safest levels of home care. We are frequently reviewing our business continuity plans as we implement new measures to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

New rules are introduced to limit the spread of the virus and we are working closely with our staff and customers to ensure they have access to the support and advice they need during this time. To speak with a member of our team about the new government rules, please call Head Office on 0330 094 5511.

We have been providing award-winning and outstanding care services for over 25 years, and all our staff undergo stringent training before they join our care teams in the community. Each and every one of our carers has undergone additional training surrounding the use of PPE and infection control, and as a business we have introduced numerous measures to ensure the safe operation of our services, yet still maintaining our person centred, compassionate approach.

We have put together a Frequently Asked Questions page to address any questions surrounding care during the coronavirus. Alternatively, please visit our Coronavirus Home Care page or call our friendly team of care experts on 0330 094 5511 for advice and support.

We are always updating our blog with useful tips and advice to support you or a loved one during this difficult time. Take a read here.

How are we ensuring infection control?

We have introduced new stringent processes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, and these are being reviewed on a daily basis in accordance with official government advice.

Read our Coronavirus Policy 2020 here.

In addition to general hygiene processes, we are ensuring our staff are:

• Wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where applicable.
• Being tested.
• Washing hands often with soap and water (or using alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol) – this is particularly important after taking public transport.
• Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then disposing the tissue in a bin.
• Social distancing where appropriate.
• Employees must wash their hands:

1. before leaving home
2. on arrival at the workplace
3. after using the toilet
4. after breaks
5. before food preparation
6. before eating any food, including snacks
7. before leaving the workplace
8. on arrival at home
9. before and after any care activity with service users

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces

If a member of our staff tests positive for coronavirus, we will contact all customers and staff the affected person has been in contact with for at least the preceding 14 days and report this to the 111 Coronavirus helpline.

FAQ’s

What if my carer(s) become ill and can no longer visit?

All our staff here at Abbots Care Ltd follow strict infection, prevention and control guidelines. We have business contingency plans in place in the event of severe lack of staff. If necessary, agency staff and appropriate volunteers will be utilised. Off-duty staff may also be asked to provide care at short notice if they are available.

If I need to self isolate, how will I buy essential supplies or collect medication?

In the first instance we would recommend you ask a family member or friend (who is not in isolation) to deliver them to your home or shop for groceries online. We also run a volunteering service called Abbots Friends which is made up of volunteers who are here to help support you in the event you need to isolate over the coming weeks. Should you have any concerns about accessing essential supplies or medication, or would like to discuss how our volunteers can help you, please call 0330 094 5511.

Check out our coronavirus FAQ page for more information.

Helpful guide to help children understand the virus –

Child Friendly Explanation of Coronavirus

Looking after your mental health and well-being during the Coronavirus outbreak –

https://abbotscare.com/well-being-advice-and-tips-to-keep-your-loved-ones-busy-during-isolation/

Mentalhealth.org/coronavirus

Useful links:

Department of Health & Social Care – COVID-19 updates https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Gov.uk – Action Plan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan/coronavirus-action-plan-a-guide-to-what-you-can-expect-across-the-uk

World Health Organisation (WHO) updates

Q&A- https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

Advice for the public- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

As with any pandemic, things can change quickly and unpredictably. To ensure you have the latest information regarding the Coronavirus, we will make regular updates as and when necessary in accordance with government and NHS England guidelines.

If you would like to speak with someone about the coronavirus, please call the office on 0330 094 5511.