How can I keep myself and my clients safe during COVID-19?

We are all aware of the seriousness of coronavirus (Covid-19) and the danger it poses to life. But how do you, as a keyworker providing home care keep yourself and your clients safe?

Read on to find out how to protect yourself and those you’re caring for during the coronavirus pandemic.

Should I continue to provide care during Coronavirus?

Firstly, you may be wondering whether you should continue to work during the outbreak or not. It’s important to listen to the latest government advice regarding working during the coronavirus crisis. Providing home care in Reading falls under essential work but there are individuals who will be exempted from this.

If you are a care giver who is considered ‘high risk’ you will be unable to continue working as normal. You should only continue to provide care if you fall into all of the following categories:

● You and your housemates are well and not experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus (cough or high temperature).
● Aged under 70.
● You are not pregnant.
● Do not have any long-term health conditions that make you vulnerable to COVID-19.

If you meet these requirements you should be able to continue to work and provide care.

Health and hygiene for care givers and clients

It is always vital to be on top of hygiene when working with vulnerable people. While you continue to provide essential care, you need to protect yourself, your clients and the people you live with. You should:

● wash your hands regularly through the visit and for at least 20 seconds on entering and exiting the setting.
● change your clothes and washing them as soon as you get home.
● shower daily before and after your care work.
● maintain a safe physical distance where possible.

Along with your own hygiene, you’ll need to make sure that your clients are taking precautions too. You and your client have an obligation to each other to practice excellent hygiene at all times.

If the person being cared for is experiencing symptoms associated with coronavirus, there are a number of precautions you as a care giver should put in place. For example, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Read the government’s advic e on ways to protect yourself when providing care to those who are showing symptoms.

Beware of scams during coronavirus

It’s upsetting to hear that during a time of national crisis, criminals are using it as an opportunity to scam people. Be vigilant both face-to-face with strangers and online. Usually, these scams are aimed at the elderly and vulnerable, who are most likely to be isolated from their friends and family.

A common face-to-face scam is to knock on the doors of the elderly and offer them support with shopping and prescription collections. However, once the money is handed over the scammer leave and dont return with the goods.

Meanwhile, online criminals are selling fake testing and prevention kits, preying on the high-risk groups who are worried about contracting coronavirus.

So how can you protect your clients from falling victim to these scams?

As a care giver, you can support your client by finding out more and keeping them informed on ways they can stay safe and protect themselves both online and in-person. In addition, you should allow time for clients to discuss their concerns and worries about coronavirus so that you can suggest ways to support them, which will, in turn, deter them from seeking advice and support from unreliable sources.

Protecting the mental health of care givers and clients

The uncertainty surrounding these unusual events can cause an increase in anxiety, and long periods of isolation can make people worry about leaving the house. You can check out our article on how to protect your mental health here.

How will it affect your clients and how to look after them?

Many of those you’re providing care for will be living alone and dealing with their concerns by themselves. It’s best to try and encourage them to focus on one day at a time rather than worrying about an unknown future.

Support them by providing a plan for the day, incorporating a range of activities that will take their minds off the situation. Depending on their needs, try to include one form of physical exercise and time outdoors each day. This will ensure that they don’t become confined to their chair and their thoughts.

Allow time to talk to your clients about things other than the current crisis. For example, their families, memories or interests. This will help both them and you to focus on something other than coronavirus.

How to look after yourself?

It’s also important to take time to look after yourself. If you’re finding it difficult going out to work and having less social and leisure time due to the present restrictions, plan some ‘me’ time for when you finish work each day. For example, enjoy a relaxing bath or bake something when you get home.

It’s important to distract yourself from work and COVID-19 and find ways to entertain yourself so that you can enjoy your free time.

Keeping Safe During Coronavirus