COVID-19 continues to be dominating our days. We have had no cases amongst our clients and we have continued to make sure that people remain safe. It really goes to show that staying at home is the best care solution! Our loved ones deserve the ability to live life on their own terms, yet remain safely in their home to stay healthy.
Care homes have been badly hit by the coronavirus crisis, with many residents having to isolate in their rooms with no visitors. So it’s not surprising that more and more families are exploring the alternative forms of elderly care such as home care and live-in care, remember that there is support out there for you.
Although lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, medical professionals and scientists are warning that coronavirus will be part and parcel of our daily lives for the foreseeable future.
” I contacted Ashridge Home Care literally just before lockdown for COVID 19 as my very elderly parents had previously only had daily care for 3 hours a day. They were extremely professional and efficient and within 4 days we had a full-time carer move in. She has been absolutely miraculous giving the excellent and vital care they so desperately needed. I can’t recommend Ashridge more highly.”
Coronavirus is part of a larger group of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold, to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The COVID-19 strain of coronavirus which has caused the current global pandemic can result in severe pneumonia, SARS kidney failure and in certain cases even death – especially in clinically vulnerable and elderly groups.
Coronavirus is spread mainly through person to person contact. The virus can be transferred between people 6ft or less away via respiratory droplets. These droplets are dispersed into the air when we talk, sing or cough and can be inhaled by others.
Such droplets are also able to survive on surfaces for many hours. In fact, contaminated surfaces (rather than inhaling droplets from another person coughing or talking) are also believed to be responsible for a percentage of infections across the globe.
The main signs of coronavirus infection are respiratory (like those you have with a cold), a high temperature of 38.7C/100F or above, a new continuous cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Further research has also shown that a loss of sense of smell and taste is sometimes a symptom of the virus.
In many cases, not all symptoms of coronavirus are apparent at the same time. If you or a loved one has any of the above symptoms, it is essential that you arrange for a Covid-19 lateral flow test, seek medical advice and self-isolate until your results are ready.
As coronavirus is set to be part and parcel of our lives very much like seasonal flu going forward, having the correct care provisions in place can help your family and loved ones stay safe and well.
A qualified, professional home carer will not only come fully equipped with the correct PPE such as gloves, disposable aprons and face masks to reduce the risk of transmission via airborne particles, but they will also be subject to regular screening and testing for the virus for additional peace of mind.
A shocking difference between the numbers of COVID-19 related deaths in care homes compared to those having professional care in their own homes suggests we rethink the whole future of elderly care in the UK. Just 0.17% of old people receiving professional care in their own homes have died from COVID-19 compared to 29.3% of old people in care homes. Every death from this virus is a tragedy, leaving behind family and friends in mourning. Social care is the frontline in the fight against coronavirus and we need to do all we can to protect people in care homes and those receiving care in their own homes.
We are facing unprecedented times. And evidence from around the world shows clearly that it is older people, especially from the age of 70 upwards, who are most likely to become very seriously ill. These are uncertain times we live in and Elderly people need help now. We are one of the few companies that make it possible for vulnerable people to receive the highest quality care in the comfort of their own home.
We are taking every effort possible to keep people safe. The operations team meet daily to review our plans and to make sure everyone working in our team is equipped and supported. Live in home care is the safest option for people right now, one to one care in the safety of ones home.
Our carers spend their time looking after others, but sometimes it is the carers who need help. In these difficult times, we’re acutely aware of the extra pressure that is placed on our fabulous care staff. We’re in the process of reaching out to each and every one of our carers to make sure they feel supported.
We have a free Employee Assistance Scheme in place for all our carers, which provides confidential advice and telephone counselling if and when it’s needed.
I honestly cannot praise Ashridge Homecare enough. From day one, I have witnessed them demonstrate nothing but complete and utter dedication to helping their team achieve the highest quality of care possible. The time, kindness and patience they devote to each and every one of their clients, carers and members of the public is unmatched. I feel lucky to be supported by such wonderful group of professionals!”
Vikki Powell , Live-in Carer , Beaconsfield , Buckinghamshire
We want to thank our carers for all they do to look after our loved ones. Throughout this pandemic, they have gone above and beyond to protect our parents and grandparents, and to provide them with the support and care they need and we would be truly lost without them.
Social distancing and self-isolation can be really hard to deal with. It’s normal to feel lost, anxious, frustrated or bored, and if you’re worried about the effect it will have on your mental or physical well-being , you are not alone.
Elderly people have reported increased loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic — a situation that can be devastating for their health -with Age UK estimating around two million people aged over 75 live alone.
There is a worrying and growing evidence base around the challenge of loneliness in UK. Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives. It’s a deeply personal experience that – in most cases – will thankfully pass. But for a growing number of people, particularly those in later life and self isolation, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their wellbeing.
A live-in carer might just be the water bucket in the face that loneliness needs. It helps to shake off the melancholy and apathy while reminding you that while you aren’t necessarily at a physical peak anymore, you don’t have to be alone and brooding.
COVID-19 has unprecedentedly pressured our NHS healthcare workers, meaning they can’t always give the level of attention and care desired.
If you move forward with Ashridge Home Care, you will be assigned a dedicated carer who will get to know you as a person, rather than a list of COVID-19 related symptoms. Carers also help around the house with daily chores like cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping.
With so many benefits to one to one live-in home care, it’s the obvious choice for elderly people needing care after a COVID-19 infection. Our loved ones deserve the ability to live life on their own terms, yet remain safely in their home to stay healthy.
Staying at home with a professional carer after a Covid-19 hospital discharge will result in better recovery and well-being, dignity, independence and enjoyment of life.
Knowing that you require care or your loved one requires care can be very difficult, but knowing there is an option for care that doesn’t involve the upheaval and distress associated moving to a care home is a blessing for many families. Live-in care allows someone with high levels of need to remain in their own home and community and lead a good quality life in familiar surroundings.
Our elderly and vulnerable individuals need to be taken care of as they seem to be the most affected by COVID 19. At a time when the risks of cross-transmission within care homes are becoming a great concern. Live-in care mitigates these risks at a comparable price to a nursing home bed.
Our fully managed service means that you don’t need to worry about a thing, we will take care of every aspect of your care, including regular reviews, co-ordinating medical appointments and making sure that your care team are supported to do a fantastic job.
“Our carer is so wonderful and we wouldn’t want to lose her – she has been excellent looking after my father, the dogs and the house while my mother has been in hospital.”
“I and indeed the whole family are most appreciative of your warmth and kindnesses.”
Choosing care is a huge decision and not something that you should take lightly. Some of these conversations can be tricky and it’s our job to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
We are more than happy to visit you and your family at home to discuss your situation and consider the options available to you.
If you’d like more information, simply fill in the below form and we’ll aim to get back to you within 24 hours.
