Welcome to our COVID-19 information center. We are committed to providing you with up-to-date inform

"Nice home care is operating at full capacity and has implemented additional safety measures to prioritize the well-being and safety of our clients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are maintaining our regular service, and all our offices are open and fully operational. We are committed to providing essential care to both new and existing clients who require assistance at home.

The health and safety of the individuals under our care and our dedicated staff are our utmost priorities. To achieve this, we have taken several precautionary steps in alignment with the latest expert guidance. This includes the mandatory provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by our care workers. This equipment includes masks, eyewear, aprons, and gloves, which are essential to safeguard both our clients and caregivers

"If you are a customer of nice home care, or if you have a loved one who is, and you suspect that you may have COVID-19, please reach out to the care manager without delay. In the event that you or your loved one does not require hospital treatment, we will collaborate with you to maintain the home care plan to the extent possible. Each situation will be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and staff."

"If you are an existing customer or considering our services and you're facing challenges related to food shopping or medication, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local office. They will provide guidance on how we can assist you. For contact information for your local office, please click here.

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 

In some cases, COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last for weeks or months after the infection has gone. People who have had a mild illness can still have long-term problems.

Safety Measures 

It is essential to follow safety measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Here are some key guidelines:  

• Wear masks
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Practicing physical distancing
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze, put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands 

Common listed symptoms of Covid-19 

•  loss of smell and taste can occur suddenly and without an accompanying blocked nose.
•  Fever ≥37.8°C and at least one of the following respiratory symptoms, which must be of acute onset:
• Persistent cough (with or without sputum).
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chills
• Muscle pain.
• Sore throat.
• Some may also have generalised aches and pains and diarrhoea.
• Nausea and vomiting

If you have any of these symptoms you should order a PCR test. You are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people while you are waiting for the test result. You should also follow this advice if you have a positive LFD test result, even if you do not have any symptoms.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they are worsening, contact 111 or speak to your GP. In an emergency dial 999.

For region specific information and advice in:

• England visit nhs.uk
• Wales visit phw.nhs.wales
• Scotland visit nhsinform.scot
• Northern Ireland visit HSC
• Ireland visit HSE.

"Protecting the health and safety of our valued customers and our dedicated care staff is a top priority for us. We remain committed to delivering essential care to our clients during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind.

In our efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety, we are closely following the guidance provided by respected organizations such as the National Institute for Health Protection and the NHS. This includes the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our care staff, which comprises masks, eyewear, aprons, and gloves.

Additionally, we maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with relevant authorities, including the Care Quality Commission, the United Kingdom Home Care Association, and local authorities. This ensures that we stay well-informed and aligned with the latest guidelines and recommendations.

To further strengthen our commitment to safe and quality care, we have developed a comprehensive coronavirus policy. You can review the details of this policy below, which outlines the measures we have put in place to maintain the highest safety standards."

All carers  managing possible and confirmed cases must adhere to updated national infection and prevention (IPC) guidance. A key priority remains in ensuring health care workers are protected in all work environments . 

• Staff members should raise any concerns with regards to their personal safety with their manager and if they have underlying health concerns, or vulnerable family members that should be taken into consideration.
• Hand Hygiene: Carers should wash their hands and wrists for a minimum of 20 seconds upon arrival at the customer's home, throughout their visit, and before leaving.
• Mask Usage: Carers are required to wear a new Type II surgical mask for each customer visit when they will be within two meters of the customer, but not delivering personal care and when there is no one within two meters with a cough.
• Close Personal Care: When providing close personal care that involves direct contact with the customer (e.g., touching) or when they are within two meters of someone in the household who is coughing, carers should wear new disposable gloves, a plastic apron, a fluid-repellent (Type IIR) surgical mask, and eye protection.
• Disposal of PPE: All PPE should be properly disposed of when the carer leaves the customer's home. This is a crucial measure to reduce the risk of infection.
• Physical Contact: Carers should avoid shaking hands with anyone and should refrain from hugging or being in close proximity to anyone aside from immediate family members they live with.
• Personal Items: Carers should not share cups, crockery, or water bottles with other staff members or customers.
• Uniform Hygiene: Carers should wash their uniform or work clothing daily to minimize the chance of infection.
• Social Distancing: Carers should attempt to maintain a distance of two meters from customers, other staff members, and medical professionals as much as possible.
• Avoid Touching Face: Carers should refrain from touching their face, nose, and eyes as much as possible.
• Surface Cleaning: Carers should regularly clean working surfaces with antibacterial solutions, especially in areas of high use.
• Mobile Phone Hygiene: Carers should clean their mobile phones regularly and should avoid using customers' telephones.
• Hand Sanitisers: In cases where hand washing facilities are not available, carers should use hand sanitiser.
• Live-In Care Workers: If a carer is a live-in care worker and this is their only customer, they are considered part of the same household. If anyone in the household develops COVID-19 symptoms, the carer should follow government guidance (e.g., on household isolation) and use PPE as per standard infection and prevention control guidance.Priority for testing remains with care workers and service users to protect the most vulnerable. 
• Test:key workers  should order a PCR test. with the recommendation to apply within the first 3 days of having symptoms as the test is best taken within 5 days of symptoms starting. Option of taking the test at home or at a drive-through testing site are given and involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.

• Older people
• People of all ages with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, or cancer) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.

"We aim to provide peace of mind to our client and their cherished ones, knowing that we are diligently taking care of them. We recognise that you may have valid concerns and questions about our care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, so please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and assistance."

COVID-19-risks-and-safety-for-older-people

COVID-19 and related health question-and-answers-hubhttps

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice  

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

www.cdc.gov