Residents with learning disabilities experience of Croydon's care homes during Covid 19

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Croydon’s Care Homes had to respond quickly to protect their residents and the staff that look after them. To understand more about the challenges, they went through and learn more, they undertook a series of surveys with residents, friends and family and staff between August and October 2020. They heard from 28 residents in 11 facilities.

Less enjoyable experience but staffing was good: Living in lockdown, learning disabled residents felt that living at the care home was less enjoyable, but staffing was not affected in fact they went beyond what was expected.

There is a variance in experience for residents between facilities due to adoption of social distancing rules: It seemed there was a lack of consistency in the application of rules around social distancing between care homes. Some residents seemed to have more freedom than others

Residents found access to prescriptions to be the same as before lockdown but had to adapt to not seeing a doctor face-to-face: Having to use virtual appointments a challenging expectation and experience for some residents.

All residents were able to gain access to their friends and family outside of the care home via phone or video but only half by actual visits: However, there was a variance in experience both to accessing calls and meeting family and friends between different settings.

Most were happy with the way that care homes had supported them: Suggested improvements ranged from activity suggestions such as baking, sewing as well as access to services such as the GP and Day Centre.