Our Covid-19 infection prevention steps
We understand that during this uncertain time many of our residents, staff and their loved ones may be feeling anxious, afraid and isolated. At Totalcare, we want you to know that we are doing everything in our power to protect those under our care, and provide a sense of safety and comfort.
It’s been noted that older people and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk. As a result, we’ve implemented the following strict Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Policy aligned with the recommendations provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It’s been noted that older people and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk. As a result, we’ve implemented the following strict Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Policy aligned with the recommendations provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
1. Good Respiratory Etiquette
Covid-19 can be spread by inhaling infected respiratory droplets or through direct contact. This means that anyone in close contact (less than 1 metre) of someone who is sneezing or coughing is at risk. To reduce the risk of respiratory infection, staff and residents have been instructed to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing. This must be followed by thoroughly washing or sanitising their hands immediately afterwards.
Covid-19 can be spread by inhaling infected respiratory droplets or through direct contact. This means that anyone in close contact (less than 1 metre) of someone who is sneezing or coughing is at risk. To reduce the risk of respiratory infection, staff and residents have been instructed to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing. This must be followed by thoroughly washing or sanitising their hands immediately afterwards.
2. Enhanced Hygiene Practices
Current data suggests that the virus is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets. To avoid this, we have implemented a strict handwashing policy, especially after contact with anyone who might have the virus, as well as after eating, drinking or going to the bathroom. We’re also ensuring that all surfaces are kept clean and hygienic through regular sanitising.
Current data suggests that the virus is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets. To avoid this, we have implemented a strict handwashing policy, especially after contact with anyone who might have the virus, as well as after eating, drinking or going to the bathroom. We’re also ensuring that all surfaces are kept clean and hygienic through regular sanitising.
3. Social Distancing
While we know you would like to visit loved ones during this uncertain time, we have implemented a no visitor policy to protect all residents and staff. All group activities and outings have also been cancelled. Rest assured that we’re continuing to communicate with and visit our residents to ensure they get the proper healthcare they need, as well as companionship to avoid feelings of isolation.
While we know you would like to visit loved ones during this uncertain time, we have implemented a no visitor policy to protect all residents and staff. All group activities and outings have also been cancelled. Rest assured that we’re continuing to communicate with and visit our residents to ensure they get the proper healthcare they need, as well as companionship to avoid feelings of isolation.
4. Staff screening and protective wear
We measure all of our staff’s temperatures daily to ensure that they don’t have a fever or visible symptoms. Any unwell staff members are immediately sent off duty. Staff members have also been given protective face masks, as well as training on how to wear and dispose of them safely. Home nurses will practice barrier nursing techniques, along with a non-contact protocol with care centre staff.
We measure all of our staff’s temperatures daily to ensure that they don’t have a fever or visible symptoms. Any unwell staff members are immediately sent off duty. Staff members have also been given protective face masks, as well as training on how to wear and dispose of them safely. Home nurses will practice barrier nursing techniques, along with a non-contact protocol with care centre staff.
5. Lockdown Regulations
While we are listed as an essential service, we are still following lockdown regulations where possible. For the duration of the national lockdown, all of our staff will be living on the premises. This helps cut down on the risk of contracting the virus when using public transport and moving through densely populated areas. Healthcare staff will also be doing longer 10-hour shifts to minimise the number of people who come into contact with our residents.
While we are listed as an essential service, we are still following lockdown regulations where possible. For the duration of the national lockdown, all of our staff will be living on the premises. This helps cut down on the risk of contracting the virus when using public transport and moving through densely populated areas. Healthcare staff will also be doing longer 10-hour shifts to minimise the number of people who come into contact with our residents.
6. Early recognition and caring for those with Covid-19 symptoms
All residents will be assessed twice a day for fevers, coughing and shortness of breath. Any residents who are suspected of having the virus will be placed into a single room with a limited number of staff allowed into contact with them. Anyone entering the room will be recorded and take the necessary barrier nursing precautions. We’ll notify management immediately, as well as contact local authorities to arrange testing for Covid-19 where appropriate.
All residents will be assessed twice a day for fevers, coughing and shortness of breath. Any residents who are suspected of having the virus will be placed into a single room with a limited number of staff allowed into contact with them. Anyone entering the room will be recorded and take the necessary barrier nursing precautions. We’ll notify management immediately, as well as contact local authorities to arrange testing for Covid-19 where appropriate.
7. Ongoing communication and policy adjustments
As new insights and findings on the novel coronavirus are released, we will be continuously updating our policies and operations to meet any new safety requirements. We will keep an open line of communication between staff and management, as well as family members and loved ones.
As new insights and findings on the novel coronavirus are released, we will be continuously updating our policies and operations to meet any new safety requirements. We will keep an open line of communication between staff and management, as well as family members and loved ones.
The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff are our greatest priority. Rest assured that we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe, protected and cared for.
To view our full Infection Prevention and Control Policy document, please click here.
To view our full Infection Prevention and Control Policy document, please click here.
At Totalcare, we’ve always been dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Now, with the increasing risk posed by the novel coronavirus, we are taking even greater precautions to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our residents and staff members. Read on for more information about our Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
