Protective clothing for carers

Rifi7

Does anyone have carers come to them on regular basis? If so what protective clothing are they wearing? Also what do you feel comfortable with them wearing?

Richard_Scope

Hi @Rifi7,

Care workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) for activities that bring them into close personal contact, such as washing and bathing, personal hygiene and contact with bodily fluids.

Aprons, gloves and fluid repellent surgical masks should be used in these situations. If there is a risk of splashing, then eye protection will minimise risk.

The full guidance on home care and Protective Clothing can be read Here 

pollyanna1052

Hi my carers are wearing masks, aprons and gloves and washing their hands when they arrive and using antibac sanitiser.

I am now making washable masks for if they run out.
Pollsx

woodbine

PPE for home care and residential care has been very hit and miss so far BUT they seem to be getting it sorted, slowly.

Rifi7

Richard_Scope
I have looked at the link that you posted that links to government website guidelines. I’m sorry if I’m being silly but how am I to know if my carer has coronavirus until she gets systems and by then it could be to late. She does not give me personal care but she does help me around the house with tasks. She is in close vicinity to me that if she sneezed or coughed I could get the virus, if she had it. I live alone so I rely on her for tasks around the home and it’s making me feel very insecure as although she washes her hand, she doesn’t wear gloves or wear a mask.  Before you say it, yes I have addressed this with her but she is refusing to wear gloves and masks. She doesn’t work for an agency as she is privately employed and on the payroll, so it’s not as if I can ring her agency that she also works for. I don’t want to sack her but I can’t live with this heightened of anxiety but also I can’t have her not come to me. Feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.

Rifi7

Pollyanna1052
Thanks for your reply. I have masks, gloves, face shields but my carer is refusing to even put gloves on. She says she’s washing her hand so no need to wear gloves but she’s not washing her hands properly and is constantly touching her face. Makes me feel very uncomfortable.  Your very fortunate that your carers are doing this, or maybe I’m unlucky with mine!

Rifi7

Woodbine,
it is very much hit or miss but I would rather not take my chances. 

Richard_Scope

Rifi7 said:

Richard_Scope
I have looked at the link that you posted that links to government website guidelines. I’m sorry if I’m being silly but how am I to know if my carer has coronavirus until she gets systems and by then it could be to late. She does not give me personal care but she does help me around the house with tasks. She is in close vicinity to me that if she sneezed or coughed I could get the virus, if she had it. I live alone so I rely on her for tasks around the home and it’s making me feel very insecure as although she washes her hand, she doesn’t wear gloves or wear a mask.  Before you say it, yes I have addressed this with her but she is refusing to wear gloves and masks. She doesn’t work for an agency as she is privately employed and on the payroll, so it’s not as if I can ring her agency that she also works for. I don’t want to sack her but I can’t live with this heightened of anxiety but also I can’t have her not come to me. Feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place.

@Rifi7, I can really appreciate your concerns. Your carer should be observing social distancing and consistent hand washing at the very least. Care workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) for activities that bring them into close personal contact.

Rifi7

Hi Richard_Scope.

I can appreciate what your saying but I live in a small flat so it’s very hard to maintain a Social distance. 

Richard_Scope

It must be very worrying for you. The carer has a responsibility to protect your health and theirs.