Caring for someone can be very distressing and confusing. You are important so you also need to look after yourself. And, you may also have additional responsibilities that you are trying to juggle, such as children, work and maybe your own ill health. Don't struggle alone - make use of the many different types of help and support that is available.
Caring safely at home
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has developed a video-based resource designed to help people look after someone safely at home. Each section has a set of videos designed to give practical and relevant information to support carers day-to-day. The videos cover how to help manage certain conditions and may be particularly useful for carers who are supporting someone during the Covid-19 crisis but these will also be very useful post covid.
If you live with those you care for
If you think you've been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus, take extra precautions to self- isolate and check if you have symptoms using the coronavirus helpline symptom checker. For more details on protecting those at highest risk, this NHS page has some useful practical suggestions on how you can look after yourselves. You’ll find answers to current common concerns at coronavirus - further support.
If you do not live with those you care for
We suggest you keep in regular contact over the phone, through email or through video calls. Families may want to think about spending time together in a different way – for example, by setting up a group chat or playing online games together. If online communication isn't possible, never underestimate the value of a regular phone call to offer social contact and support. If you care for someone who is hard of hearing, consider writing them a letter.
What’s the advice if I have care workers and other home help?
The NHS guidance is now very clear. Visits from people who provide essential support such as healthcare, personal support with daily needs or social care should continue. Carers, like yourself, and paid care workers must stay away if you or they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus but otherwise follow the 2 metre guidance where possible and practise good hygiene to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The person I care for is vulnerable
During this time, you can only provide support to vulnerable people if all of the following apply:
- you are well and have no symptoms like a cough or high temperature and nobody in your household does;
- you are under 70;
- you are not pregnant; and
- you do not have any long-term health conditions that make you vulnerable to coronavirus.
If you provide care for someone who is vulnerable and fall into any of these categories or you have symptoms of coronavirus you may need to arrange alternative care. Contact your local council if this is the case. Any health or social care services you're already receiving, through your local authority, will continue and your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure you are protected.
Home care services visit the person I care for
The government has provided specific guidance about home care services. Let friends and family know that they should only visit if providing essential care such as washing, administering medication, dressing and preparing meals.
All people coming into the home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival and often during their visit. Talk to the person you care for about the hygiene and infection control measures they should expect someone coming into their home to follow. They should not be afraid to insist that these are followed.
If you have a care worker employed by an agency ask them what protective measures they are taking and how they plan to respond if any of their staff are affected. If the care worker shows symptoms of coronavirus, inform the agency. They will need to carry out a risk assessment and take steps to protect staff, their families and all clients from the virus. The agency should work with you to ensure that the person you care for is also safe.
My loved one has Covid-19, how do I care from them at home?
The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak is particularly worrying for unpaid carers. Many people will have been thrown into the caring role, rapidly and unprepared. Those who are already existing carers (e.g. for those with long-term conditions) may see their role change as new caring tasks are required. This guide to caring for your loved one offers practical advice and tips that hopefully will help you look after your loved one and manage new symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, fever and pain at home during this difficult time.
It includes topics such as:
- Management of Covid-19 and minimising infection risk (cleaning, waste, laundry)
- Keeping yourself safe
- Looking after yourself in self isolation
- Where to go for further advice
- Managing the symptoms of Covid-19
Remember the NHS is open as usual
Whilst it is extremely important to follow government advice to stay at home during this time, it can be confusing to know what to do if the person you care for is unwell or injured. Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still open and providing the same safe care that they always have.
It's still important to get medical help if you or your loved one need it. The following will help you make sure you choose the right service
If you need further help for your loved one, or for yourself
Your local council and voluntary carer groups have lots of help and support available for you to access:
Voluntary carer groups
Carers UK is a free national organisation that can help you with all your support and caring needs, their aim is to make life better for carers.
Most areas have local voluntary carer organisations that offer support in the area you live in.
Click here to find yours.