Coronavirus Policy

COVID-19 is a new illness that affect your lungs and airways.  It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.  The current NHS guidelines are that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for 7 days if you have symptoms.

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Common signs of infection include:

Respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

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To prevent spread of this disease we ask that our clients notify us IMMEDIATELY should they experience any symptoms.  Likewise, should either of our staff experience any symptoms, they will self-isolate and all clients will be managed by the non-symptomatic members of staff.

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We ask that clients provide us with a list of people we can contact in the event that all staff have to self-isolate, so that we can ask for additional help.

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If you do have any symptoms, DO NOT go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  Call NHS 111 for further advise.

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To avoid catching or spreading Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often - especially before and after eating, sneezing, using the toilet, changing pads/stomas for AT LEAST 20 seconds.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve - do not cough or sneeze into your hands.  Dispose of tissues immediately in the bin then wash your hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

• Avoid hugging, kissing or shaking hands.

• Maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself or anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

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Actions we are taking to help control the spread (some of which are our own standard procedures)

• We carry antibacterial hand gel, antibacterial wipes and spray and gloves & aprons.

• We carry face masks - if you would prefer us to use these please inform us on arrival.

• We will bring disposable kitchen rolls (or clean hand towels) at each clients' home for washing our own hands.

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In the event of a client self-isolating:

• We will provide a shopping service which we will drop off any essentials at your door.

• We will provide companionship and support by telephone.

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In the event of a member of staff self-isolating:

• We will prioritise our clients according to age and medical vulnerability, how much support they have other than our service (eg whether other family members, friends, neighbours, church etc can assist).

• We will endeavor to support all we can, but clients usual time allocation may be cut shorter to accommodate those most needy.

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Recommendations

• Currently most social groups for older adults have been suspended in Sheffield to help prevent the spread.

• We recommend not attending any groups or visiting anywhere that is non-urgent such as supermarkets, GP surgeries, hospitals etc.

• Please inform us if you would like us to cancel any appointments that you currently have booked with us.

• Please inform us if you have any symptoms by phone before our visit is due.

• Keep washing your hands.

• Avoid hugging, kissing and hand shaking.

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