The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly changed the way we live, work, and interact, particularly in environments like nursing homes, where vulnerable individuals reside. Nursing home residents, often elderly and living with pre-existing health conditions, are at a heightened risk of severe illness or complications from Covid-19. As a result, nursing homes have implemented stringent precautions to protect residents, staff, and visitors. This blog will delve into detailed Covid-19 guidance, with insights specifically for staff and customers, aimed at keeping nursing homes safe, including the unique approach of Albert Suites at Battersea Place.

The importance of Covid-19 guidance in nursing homes

Nursing homes play a critical role in protecting individuals at higher risk for infectious diseases. Because of their communal settings and the heightened vulnerability of their populations, the rapid spread of viruses like Covid-19 can be a significant concern. Elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions are more prone to severe complications, making effective protocols essential.

Ensuring that nursing homes follow strict Covid-19 protocols is a shared responsibility between healthcare professionals, families, and residents themselves. This guidance seeks to protect the health and well-being of residents, prevent outbreaks, and create a safer environment for all involved.

Key components of nursing home Covid-19 guidance:

1. Preventing the spread of infection
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage
3. Isolation and quarantine protocols
4. Staff health and safety
5. Visitation policies
6. Vaccination strategies
7. Mental and emotional support for residents and families
8. Preventing the spread of infection

 

The foundation of Covid-19 prevention lies in robust infection control practices. In nursing homes, where individuals live closely together, such precautions are paramount. Maintaining rigorous hygiene practices can minimise the risk of viral spread.

a) Hand hygiene

Frequent handwashing: Nursing home staff should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after resident interactions or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol should be used.

Resident hand hygiene: Residents should be encouraged to practice good hand hygiene, particularly before meals and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers should be readily accessible in communal areas and individual rooms.

b) Enhanced cleaning protocols

High-touch surfaces: Areas like doorknobs, handrails, bedframes, and shared equipment should be disinfected multiple times a day using EPA-approved cleaning agents effective against Covid-19.

Communal areas: Common areas should be cleaned regularly, and the number of people using these areas should be limited to ensure social distancing and reduce the chance of contamination.

c) Airflow and ventilation

Improved ventilation: Maximising air circulation through open windows or HVAC systems helps to disperse airborne particles, lowering the risk of transmission. Using HEPA filters or portable air purifiers in shared spaces can further enhance air quality.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage

Proper and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to prevent the transmission of Covid-19, particularly for staff who frequently interact with residents.

a) Staff requirements

Face masks: Staff should wear medical-grade masks (surgical or N95) at all times, especially in resident care areas, to protect both themselves and the residents.

Gloves: When performing tasks involving physical contact with residents or their belongings, staff should wear gloves. These should be changed between resident interactions to prevent cross-contamination.

Gowns and eye protection: For staff caring for residents with Covid-19, additional PPE such as gowns and face shields or goggles should be used.

b) Resident PPE

Masking for residents: Where possible, residents should wear masks, especially when in common areas or interacting with visitors. For those with cognitive or respiratory difficulties, mask exemptions may apply.

Visitor PPE: Visitors should follow the same mask-wearing rules as staff, and in some cases, additional PPE like gloves or gowns may be required during visits.

Isolation and quarantine protocols: Effective isolation and quarantine measures are necessary to contain potential outbreaks within nursing homes.

a) New admissions and returning residents

New resident quarantine: New residents or those returning from hospitals should be quarantined for 10-14 days, as a precautionary measure to prevent the introduction of Covid-19 into the community.

Return from medical visits: Residents who attend medical appointments outside of the facility may need to follow similar quarantine procedures upon return, particularly if they were in contact with potentially infected individuals.

b) Managing positive cases

Isolation: Residents who test positive for Covid-19 should be isolated in designated areas to prevent further spread. Staff assigned to care for these residents should follow strict PPE and infection control measures.

Cohorting: Grouping residents by Covid-19 status, such as positive, negative, or exposed, can help contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the facility.

c) Testing and contact tracing

Regular testing: Regular testing of residents and staff is critical to identifying cases early and containing the virus before it spreads. Rapid tests should be available to assess any symptomatic individuals quickly.

Contact tracing: If a positive case is identified, contact tracing should be initiated to determine who else may have been exposed. Quarantines should be put in place for all close contacts, and testing should be conducted.

Staff health and safety

Protecting the health of nursing home staff is paramount, as they are the frontline workers responsible for resident care.

a) Daily health screenings

Temperature checks and symptom monitoring: All staff should undergo daily health screenings, including temperature checks and symptom evaluations. Those showing signs of illness should not enter the facility and should be tested for Covid-19.

Stay-home policies: Nursing homes should encourage staff to stay home if they are unwell, and provide support for sick leave to ensure staff members are not pressured into working while sick.

b) Mental health support

Emotional support for staff: Working in a nursing home during a pandemic can take an emotional toll on staff. Facilities should offer mental health support, including counseling or peer support groups, to help staff cope with stress and burnout.

Visitation policies:

Visitation is crucial for the emotional well-being of residents, but it must be carefully managed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

a) Safe visitation options

Outdoor visits: Outdoor visits are generally safer than indoor visits due to better ventilation. Designated outdoor areas with proper social distancing can allow residents to see their loved ones safely.

Indoor visits for vaccinated visitors: Vaccinated visitors may be permitted to visit residents indoors, but precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing must still be followed.

b) Virtual visitation and remote communication

Virtual visits: When in-person visits are restricted, virtual communication options such as video calls should be made available. Nursing homes should provide technological assistance to ensure residents can stay connected with their families.

Vaccination strategies

Vaccination remains the most effective strategy in reducing Covid-19 spread and severity, particularly in nursing homes.

a) Vaccination for staff and residents

Vaccination mandates: Many nursing homes now require staff and residents to be vaccinated. This strategy has proven effective in reducing the number of Covid-19 cases and preventing severe outcomes.

Booster shots: Regular booster shots are also encouraged for both residents and staff, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.

b) Vaccine education

Addressing hesitancy: Nursing homes should provide clear, factual information to address vaccine hesitancy among residents, families, and staff. Holding informational sessions or one-on-one discussions with healthcare professionals can help answer any questions and alleviate concerns.

Mental and emotional support for residents and families

Beyond physical health, the emotional well-being of residents and families is a priority during the pandemic.

a) Combatting loneliness and isolation

Safe social engagement: Small group activities with social distancing, as well as outdoor gatherings, can provide residents with safe opportunities for socialisation, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

Emotional support services: Access to mental health professionals or peer support groups can help residents cope with the emotional strain caused by the pandemic.

b) Communication with families

Virtual communication: Virtual communication options should be encouraged and facilitated to ensure that residents can maintain contact with their loved ones during periods of restricted visitation.

Regular family updates: Nursing homes should maintain open lines of communication with families, providing regular updates on their loved ones’ health and any changes in Covid-19 protocols.

Albert Suites at Battersea Place: A case study in excellence

Albert Suites at Battersea Place is an excellent example of how high-end nursing care facilities are rising to the challenge during the pandemic. Located in the heart of London, Albert Suites at Battersea Place is renowned for offering luxurious and comprehensive nursing care for its residents. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Albert Suites has implemented strict health and safety protocols to protect its residents and staff.

a) Exemplary infection control

Albert Suites has established enhanced cleaning procedures, especially in high-traffic areas. Their use of high-grade disinfectants and stringent hand hygiene protocols ensures that surfaces are constantly sanitized, minimising the risk of viral transmission.

b) Vaccination leadership

Albert Suites was proactive in vaccinating both its staff and residents. Their dedicated vaccination program ensured that every individual in the facility had access to vaccines and boosters, significantly lowering the risk of severe Covid-19 outcomes.

c) Compassionate care and emotional support

Recognising the emotional toll of isolation, Albert Suites incorporated technology solutions to help residents stay connected with family members. They also provided psychological support, focusing on maintaining mental well-being during these challenging times.

d) Staff welfare and training

Albert Suites also invested in staff welfare, ensuring that all employees had access to personal protective equipment, regular testing, and mental health support services.

Conclusion

Covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to nursing homes, but with careful planning and adherence to safety protocols, these facilities can protect their residents whilst continuing to provide quality care. By implementing rigorous infection control measures, ensuring vaccination compliance, and providing emotional support, nursing homes can navigate the complexities of the pandemic.

Facilities like Albert Suites at Battersea Place exemplify how top-tier nursing homes can combine safety and luxury in their response to COVID-19, setting a high standard for care in these uncertain times.