Two years since the start of the pandemic.
We know that those that live in care homes are particularly vulnerable to Covid.
We also know that Covid is airborne, and once Covid is in a care home it spreads.
We understand about Infection Protection and Control.
Residents in care homes have received Covid vaccinations and two boosters.
We have done, and continue to do, all we can to protect our residents, but we now have to focus on making our residents lives as happy and content as possible.
We strive to make care homes a home. Not a hospital, not an institution, not a regimented routine filled controlled sterile environment.
Our care home is a home, the residents are part of my family, the staff are part of the family. Our care home is full of love, laughter, friendship, sometimes noisy, sometimes quiet. Full of residents family and friends. It is our residents HOME.
So.... two years on.... imagine if you were told that in your HOME your family have to wear facemasks at all times, everyone you see has to have a facemask on. This also of course means that you can not enjoy a meal, snack or drink side by side with anyone in your "family".
Two years post the start of the pandemic life outside care homes in the UK is pretty much back to normal. Those who live in care homes only see masked faces of those who support them, protect them, love them and care for them.
Guidance is explicit for all of us who work in care homes - we have to keep our masks on at all times. For those who visit, the guideline states it is "encouraged", but if providing personal care full PPE is required. Yet, if our residents leave the care home, no facemasks are required.
Does this make sense to you??
