Hi Everyone,
It’s been a while since I updated you on our Covid strategy as we were waiting for any significant changes to report, so we thank you all for your patience.
As you may or may not be aware, we have been closely watching the increase in cases within the county and especially within our locality. Add to this the news of the new variant, which a GP this morning has stated is massively infectious, and there is a risk that the current vaccines and boosters may not be sufficient to protect us.
To address potential risks, we are really looking for your help and support.
Staff have reported that some visitors when in the conservatory, are dropping / totally removing their face masks. As you will all appreciate, this guidance has never changed since Covid was announced, and even more so important when cases are on the rise to reduce the transmission of the virus.
We are trying to enable/facilitate safe practice both within the home and also when residents have been away from the home. We must ensure that everyone who is in contact with their loved ones has a negative LFT result prior to their visit.
These tests are available from the home if you require further supply.
We were hoping that normality was starting to return, we have had a singer in the home and everyone enjoyed a good sing-song.
We were planning the Christmas meal away from the home in the hope that this would happen. However, the discussions with the GP has made us reflect on our proposed plans.
The thought from the GP is that potentially this new strain could move faster than the current government guidance issued, and therefore places like care homes could face an increased risk of staff having to isolate and homes going into lockdowns due to potential outbreaks.
As you will all appreciate, this would be awful, especially with Christmas just around the corner, which in itself poses other risks of family members meeting up with other members and therefore increasing social circles.
The GP has suggested that until we have guidance surrounding the new variant, we should look at our visiting plans and who is coming to and from the home.
Therefore, we believe it would be prudent to resume back to door visits, thus reducing the risk as much as possible until the government make their decision in order to reduce the risk of an outbreak prior to the festive period.
These visits have worked very well in the past and are the least restrictive way to enable visiting.
Sadly, none really knows what to do for the best at the moment.
Staff at present are working on the pantomime that will be performed in the lead up to Christmas. Carol singers are starting to book in as they came last year and were very happy singing on the forecourt.
Please bear with us on the updates, and please be assured as or when guidance changes, you will all be the first to know via an email.
Thank you for all your help and support in these very challenging times.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kindest Regards and stay safe and well.
Lindsay, Vince and all of Team Hendra xx