Will Care Home Jobs Be Impacted Due to the COVID-19 Crisis?

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All sectors have to make changes as a result of the current coronavirus outbreak. Within the care sector, care homes have had to adapt very quickly. Given recent experiences within some care homes, it is likely that changes will be made in future and that these changes will affect jobs.

In any kind of care setting it can be difficult to impose changes in routine. However, that can be amplified if service users are potentially young, fit and active but perhaps unable or unwilling to understand the need for change.

New Government Guidelines

A recent paper issued by the Department of Health & Social Care outlines an Action Plan for Adult Social Care. It is reasonable to assume that many of the recommendations will extend to support work for all ages.

Many of the lessons learned during the current outbreak, in addition to the restrictions that lockdown has brought, have led to changes being implemented in ways of working. Future ways of working will also be informed by the knowledge gained during this period.

Controlling the Spread of Infection

Support workers are already trained in effective infection control and awareness. However, COVID-19 has brought special challenges so it is likely that this training will be updated and enhanced to provide increased protection to both service users and staff in care home settings.

Control practices will be further developed. This will include the use of PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment), as appropriate. As has already been demonstrated, maintaining a personal approach can be challenging when PPE is required. Thought and care must be given to the introduction of it where possible to ensure that service users are comfortable.

Workforce Support

Support workers have been on the front line during this period, in the same way as NHS staff and other essential workers. Increased support for staff during this period has been essential on both practical and emotional levels.

During this period there has been increased collaboration with local health services to provide support to each other and ensure that service users receive the best possible care. This may continue in the future.

Recruitment of Staff

There has been many initiatives to support the recruitment of new staff into the sector and encourage returners during this period. This has been essential to ensure that the number of support workers has been maintained.

Improvements to the recruitment process have included faster DBS and emergency checks, in addition to access to rapid online induction training.

Undoubtedly the increased focus on the care sector and the challenges presented to it will mean changes to care home jobs in Basingstoke. This will likely include increased training requirements covering infection control and its management. It should also mean continuing increased focus on the importance of support workers and this can only be seen as a positive approach in the long term.

5 to dos for Caregivers during COVID-19 Crisis

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Everyone throughout the entire country is potentially at risk of catching the COVID-19 virus. So it’s essential for all of us to understand how to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe. But this is even more important for support workers, who are looking after some of the most vulnerable members of society. So we’ve put together a list of five things every support worker needs to be aware of during these uncertain times.

1. Wash your hands

Yes, we know it’s been said repeatedly, but this is such an important point that it simply can’t be overstated. We’re most likely to pass on the virus through physical contact, so washing hands frequently, for at least two minutes at a time, is the single best preventative measure against its spread.

2. Clean your phone regularly

Whether you’re looking out for care home jobs for learning disabilities in Basingstoke, or you’re just scrolling through the latest news reports, or even chatting with friends and family, the chances are it’s happening on your mobile handset. We’re all relying on our phones more than ever before during lockdown and social distancing.

Yet although we can be scrupulous about cleaning our hands and surfaces that we’ve touched, the majority of us neglect to disinfect our mobile phones and tablets regularly. But they’re potential hot-spots for viruses and bacteria to thrive, so clean your mobile regularly, as well as any physical telephone handsets in use.

3. Tell service users as much as is appropriate

The age and capacity of your individual service users should determine how much information you pass on about the coronavirus pandemic. Many people living with the advanced stages of dementia, or with severe learning disabilities, for example, may not understand the concept of staying at home to stay safe.

It’s important not to frighten anyone with information that they’re unable to process fully. Yet most service users will be aware that life is in some way different from usual. So think before you speak, and plan in advance how you’ll approach the subject of coronavirus.

4. Keep boredom at bay

Boredom is a tiresome state for any of us, but for those with autism or learning difficulties, it can be particularly challenging. So plan lots of activities, as well as some quiet pursuits that encourage calm and relaxation.

5. Make time for yourself

It can be all too easy to neglect your own personal needs during times of crisis. But burning out won’t do you, or the people who depend on you, any favours. So take time to relax and unwind away from work. Whether that’s spending time chilling out in front of the TV, or treating yourself to a takeaway, remember that you need to be kind to yourself. The more relaxed and calm that you are, the better you will be able to support others during your working hours.