Care Homes during Covid: Care staff perspective
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Healthwatch Somerset conducted a focus group with a local care home to gather insight about the challenges faced by care home staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They found that staff felt anxious about the safety of those they care for and the reputation of the home if someone was to contract the virus. PPE provision was not an issue and local community offered great support. The care home felt well supported by local GPs and the council's social care services. Staff had to manage concerns about their own health as well as the health of residents, so regular staff communications and support was essential. Most residents adapted relatively well to changes at the home with the support of care staff and relatives, but some were scared, and for some PPE was disconcerting. The staff thought it is important to test early and to learn from precious experiences so that they are better prepared.
No recommendations were made in this report.