COVID-19 Policy
Background
COVID-19 is an illness that was first discovered in 2019 and is caused by a respiratory coronavirus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The illness associated with this virus is referred to as COVID-19.
At Langdale Care Homes, we recognise that certain individuals are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older people, those who are pregnant, those who are unvaccinated, and people of any age whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness. We prioritise the health and well-being of our residents and staff by strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth by the UK government for managing COVID-19 in our care homes.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people have COVID-19 without displaying any symptoms. The primary symptoms include fever, a new and continuous cough, anosmia (loss of smell), and ageusia (loss of taste).
Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness or fatigue, loss of appetite, myalgia (muscle ache), sore throat, headache, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to note that older people may present with less common symptoms.
In some individuals, a cough or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of smell or taste may persist for several weeks. This is not considered an indication of ongoing infection when other symptoms have resolved.
It is likely that individuals who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who are asymptomatic can still transmit the virus to others. The infectious period typically spans from 9 days before symptom onset to 15 days after symptom onset, with most transmission occurring between 3 days before and 5 days after symptom onset. However, severely immunocompromised patients can remain infectious for a much longer period.
Management of COVID-19 in Our Care Homes
At Langdale Care Homes, we follow the guidelines set by the UK government for managing COVID-19 in our care homes. We employ non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as mask-wearing and enhanced ventilation, depending on local prevalence and risk assessment, to help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
For any residents who test positive for COVID-19, we adhere to a protocol determined by our medical directors, nursing directors, or directors of infection prevention and control to decide if isolation is needed after 5 days. This decision-making process may involve the use of lateral flow device (LFD) testing.
We take extra precautions with severely immunosuppressed residents, as they may remain infectious for prolonged periods, even if they do not display any symptoms of COVID-19. In these cases, we consult with hospital microbiology, infectious diseases, or infection prevention and control (IPC) teams for guidance.
If a resident’s symptoms persist or they are severely immunosuppressed, we consider their wider physical and mental health when determining the appropriate course of action. Resolution of symptoms cannot be used as a marker of decreased infectiousness in severely immunosuppressed patients, and they may require isolation until negative tests are obtained.
Reporting Infections
COVID-19 is a notifiable disease, and we ensure that all cases are properly reported in accordance with the guidance provided for reporting notifiable diseases and causative organisms.
Considerations for Staff and Visitors
At Langdale Care Homes, we maintain robust systems to ensure that vaccination and testing policies are implemented for our staff. We conduct thorough risk assessments for any health and care staff who come into contact with COVID-19 due to their work activity.
All staff members are vigilant for any signs of respiratory infection and follow the guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection. Symptomatic staff adhere to the appropriate guidance, which may include self-isolation. We follow the guidance for the management of staff with a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 result and for the management of adult social care staff.
Visitors in Langdale Care Homes
Visitors to our care homes are required to follow all of our infection control protocols, including proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and social distancing measures. Anyone with a recent COVID-19 infection or exposure is not permitted to visit our care homes.
We understand the importance of visits for the well-being of our residents and make every effort to facilitate visits while managing infection risks. Our residents are supported in making visits outside the care home when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
For more detailed information and advice on COVID-19 for health and care professionals, please visit the UK government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-information-and-advice-for-health-and-care-professionals
At Langdale Care Homes, the health, safety, and quality of life of our residents remain our top priorities as we navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. We are grateful for the cooperation and support of our dedicated staff, residents, and their loved ones in upholding these crucial guidelines.