Our stance as it stands during COVID-19 crisis
Let me begin by saying, these times have been trying and worrying for every human on the planet, and here at The Helping Hands Group we have been working every waking hour to ensure that our individuals have access to the care and support they need whilst also ensuring that their health and wellbeing along with our staff team is number one priority.
As you can appreciate this has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination, however, we have been in constant communications with the Commissioners of both Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, with our service being an essential service for so many, we have devised a plan in moving forward throughout this pandemic.
Currently there are three options available, these include:
1. Day opportunities
Access to our service on either full days or reduced days. Transport to and from the service will be required. Timetables will be carried out at our main sites ONLY (Charford House and Algores Way). We won’t be offering any community based activities; this unfortunately includes Cooking and Baking activities. Pack ups will need to be supplied. Groups will be reduced to limited numbers and social distancing will be adhered to at all possible opportunities.
2. Support at home
We can now offer the opportunity of hours supporting at home. This could include, carrying out life skills sessions (Access to the kitchen required) activity learning packs, brushing programme, Arts / Crafts, social interaction. All equipment brought to the home will be disinfected prior and after leaving the home.
3. Video Call
We will also be offering the individuals the opportunity to receive video calls from staff from the service. This is to help keep some normality and continued interaction between individuals and staff from the service. Time slots will initially be 10-15 minute calls and may include some learning activities.
We fully understand the worries around access to both day opportunities and visits to the home amid the risks of transmitting this horrible virus. Please be assured we are taking all guidance from the government very serious and following this at all times.
Therefore, it is completely at your discretion if these support options are currently suitable for you. Please note that things can and will possibly change the circumstances around these options, but everyone will be kept up to speed on such situations.
In assisting with the nationwide Social Care sector plea for help, staff that we have available will be deployed when called upon into other services (locally) to ensure that individuals that need care and support will receive it.
We really appreciate your support and understanding during this unprecedented time, please rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure our individuals wellbeing is prioritised. All of our centers have been deep cleaned and all staff / individuals will be following guidelines to reduce risk.
I would also like to take this time to publicly thank my incredible staff team across the board, who have selflessly rallied together to ensure that those in need of care receive it.
I repeat that plans can/may change on a daily basis due to all the varieties of this complex and fluid situation, but we will continue to keep you all up to date as quickly as we can.
Those that are self-isolating due to having symptoms MUST continue to:
· Stay at home for a minimum of 7 days from the onset of the first symptom and 14 days if someone in the home has had symptoms, as per government guidelines.
UK Government guidance for residential care, supported living and home care are outlined below:
More general guidance from the UK Government regarding COVID-19 can be found below:
Kind regards and stay safe.
Suzanne Gilby