Guidance

[Withdrawn] Your care home during winter

Updated 1 April 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

This guidance was withdrawn on

This page has been withdrawn because it’s no longer current.

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-care-homes/your-care-home-during-winter

Care homes, local health partners, families and residents can work together to minimise risk of COVID-19 transmission this winter and look after their wellbeing. Homes that have not had outbreaks to date are more at risk this winter.

Infection prevention and control measures

It’s essential that good infection control is maintained and guidance is followed at all times, including on your journey to work and during breaks. Transmission can happen at any time, including when making colleagues drinks or sharing lifts.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, and guidance followed, regardless of whether you are supporting people with coronavirus or not.

Wear your PPE properly, change it carefully and stay stocked up.

Testing

Routine and regular testing is a crucial part of keeping your care home safe. Follow the guidance for your weekly and follow-up testing.

Residents continue to be tested monthly.

Visiting

Visits to care homes can take place with arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, or behind windows.

End-of-life visits should always be supported.

Wellbeing

There is a range of support available to support all levels of concerns – big or small:

  • social care staff who may be struggling to cope and need help can send a text message with ‘FRONTLINE’ to 85258 to start a conversation. This service is offered by Shout and is free on all major mobile networks

  • The Samaritans confidential staff support line is open for all social care staff who might be feeling increasingly stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Call 0800 069 6222 (7am to 11pm, 7 days a week)

  • Hospice UK’s bereavement and trauma line is open for all social care staff. This offers a safe space to talk to a professional if you have experienced bereavement, trauma or anxiety. Call 0300 131 7000 (7am to 11pm, 7 days a week)

COVID-19 vaccination

You’ll be contacted soon with more information on when you will receive your COVID19 vaccination.

Download the CARE Workforce app for the latest information, support and discount offers.

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