What PPE should carers wear?
In a person’s own home (where the person or any member of the household is a possible or confirmed case):
Single use disposable gloves
Single use disposable apron
Mask
In a person’s own home (where the person or a member of their household is in the extremely vulnerable group):
Single use disposable gloves
Single use disposable apron
Mask
In a person’s own home (where none of the household is in the extremely vulnerable group or has symptoms of the virus):
Standard precautions apply and usual infection prevention and control procedures should be followed
Ensuring you have adequate PPE and Requesting PPE
If a carer is running low on PPE stock they can request further PPE via our request form or alternatively by calling our care management team on 020 3970 9900. This will be posted out within a 24 hour period.
How should I put on and take off PPE?
PPE should be put on and removed in an order that minimises the potential for self-contamination. The orders for PPE removal is:
Gloves
Hand hygiene
Apron
Hand hygiene
Surgical face mask (if applicable)
Hand hygiene
Listening to your concerns
We recognise that many carers feel that they are placing themselves and families at risk by the nature of the work they are doing. We also know that wearing a face mask for routine social contact can offer people a sense of additional protection when they are worried about their own safety, or that of their family.
General coronavirus hygiene principles
The general hygiene principles everyone should be following including:
Washing your hands often - with soap and water (or using alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if handwashing facilities are not available) - this is particularly important after taking public transport. Please make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces
Live-in carers washing their hands:
when you wake up
after using the toilet
after breaks
before food preparation
after food preparation
before eating any food, including snacks
before and after any care activity with clients
Disposing of PPE
PPE, personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should then be placed into a second bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste in the room in which you are self-isolating. Keep aside for at least 72 hours before putting into your usual external household waste bin.
Staff should wear disposable gloves and aprons when handling soiled linen,
Faecal matter should be put into the toilet
Wash soiled linen separately from other items and use laundry detergent.
Please follow good hand hygiene practise and ensure the client’s dignity is upheld.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
Useful resources
Stay up-to-date using trusted sources of information. The UK Government and the NHS will keep people informed of new advice and developments. Please check the following sources of advice frequently:
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England. A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment.
The UK coronavirus (COVID-19) page will keep you in touch with how the Government is responding.
The NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) page includes a wide range of health-related information.
If you are planning to travel abroad check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice page.
Follow The Department of Health and Social Care on Twitter for regular updates.