The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, patients and staff is always our top priority and we are continuing with our robust and comprehensive response to Coronavirus. Our plans are kept under regular review and are updated as and when advised by the public health authorities.

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We are welcoming new residents into our care home, so please give The Downes a call if you are looking for care or are needing any further help. We want to assure you that when we admit new residents, we have clear protocols in place to ensure that it is appropriate for them to move in. The Downes strives to make our home as safe as possible and will do everything we can to ensure that all new residents have been tested in advance and are negative for COVID-19.

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Vaccinations

The vaccination roll out programme continues to keep us positive and we are delighted that all of our residents have received both doses of the vaccine. We will also be ensuring that all new residents will also be vaccinated or be willing to be vaccinated before moving in. Our staff have also been encouraged to take up the vaccine and most of them have received their second dose. 

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Safe Visiting 

Due to the ever changing government guidelines and also monitoring the numbers in the local area of Covid-19 positive cases. The Downes is constantly reviewing and making changes to its visiting policies and procedures. The Downes has the right to cancel or stop any visit should there be any breach to the current policy or procedures or following government advice.

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The Downes has a wide range of communication methods to ensure all its residents do not feel isolated from outside the home with friends and family at any time and to aid their mental health and well being.

All visits must be pre booked and a dynamic risk assessment completed on the day, prior to each visit, by each individual. It is also encouraged that all visitors have received their Covid-19 vaccines.

 

Visiting Options

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​Telephone and video calls 

The Downes encourages video calling as it is our safest method of social interaction. We continue to use skype and have several devices for residents to use wherever they may be within in the home and at any time during the day or evening. It is advisable to book but not  necessary.

 

​Pod Visits 

All relatives and friends may book visits in our safe visiting pod, maximum of 4 people per visit. Booking system in place and only half hour appointments as a deep clean is carried out between all visits. Mask must be worn on arrival and once staff have safely vacated the visiting pod, Masks may be removed. All visitors will have their temperature is taken, an individual risk assessment, and track and trace form will be completed  per person, per visit. 

 

​Garden Visits 

Booking system in place for each session, LFD testing is mandatory. Visitors will need to arrive 30 minutes before appointment times to complete a test if you have not carried prior to visit on the same day. Temperature is taken, individual risk assessment, and track and trace form must be completed per person, per visit. Masks to be worn for the full duration of your visit. We strongly recommend keeping a safe distance of 2 meters. Contact with all other residents and staff is strictly prohibited. 

 

​Indoor Visits 

These visits are carried out in residents private bedrooms or indoor visiting room.  Booking system in place, LFD testing is mandatory. Visitors will need to arrive 30 minutes before appointment times to complete a test if you have not carried prior to visit on the same day.  Masks to be worn for the full duration of your visit. We also strongly recommend keeping a safe distance of 2 meters. Contact with all other residents and staff is strictly prohibited. 

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​End of Life Visits 

There are no time restrictions for these important times, We simply ask only 2 people per visit as there is limited space in bedrooms but no restrictions on who can visit and whether it is day or night. LFD testing 30 minutes prior to your visit, your temperature is taken, a risk assessment and track and trace form to be completed. Full PPE worn within the home at all times. Please contact the home to arrange your appointments in advance.

Visiting protocol is subject to change at any time in accordance with any new government guidelines and amendments to company policies and procedures. The Downes has the right to cancel appointments at any time. Failure to arrive in preparation for your testing 30 minutes prior to your appointment may result in your visit being cancelled. 

All lateral flow tests must be completed on the day of visit and results logged on the government portal. If you carry out a test prior to visiting the home, we will need to see a copy of your results.

 

Trips out in the homes vehicles

To aid mental heath and well being, The Downes are offering clients trips out in the van to ease the feeling of being isolated away from the local community and having contact with their families. These trips are a non stop trip with a full risk assessments in place. To ensure client safety. staff wear face masks and risk assessments carried out for each trip. Only one van to be taken out at any one time. Clients are prohibited from getting out of the vehicle during these trips unless an emergency situation. Clients are prohibited to talk to anyone in public.

 

Visits outside the care home with a carer or designated visitor these visits may take place subject to an individual, robust risk assessment agreed in writing with the homes management team, resident and main visitor for each individual trip out into the community. LFD testing is mandatory for all involved with the trip and for all who have close contact. Masks and social distancing advised, No use of public transport and good ventilation advised. We do not encourage large group meeting or crowded places as there is a higher risk for transmission of Covid-19. All residents are subject to 14 day isolation on return following any breaches to the agreed risk assessment. 

 

Visiting protocol is subject to change at any time in accordance with any new government guidelines and amendments to company policies and procedures. The Downes has the right to cancel appointments at any time. Failure to arrive in preparation for your testing 30 minutes prior to your appointment may result in your visit being cancelled. 

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All lateral flow tests must be completed on the day of visit and results logged on the government portal. If you carry out a test prior to visiting the home, we will need to see a copy of your results.

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