ANNOUNCEMENT – 05/03/2021

As we near the ‘beginning of the end’ of national lockdown and the associated restrictive measures, we can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope that life is returning to normal and our villages will once again be buzzing with vibrant activity.

Although a tiered easing of lockdown has been announced, the message is clear that everyone must remain vigilant so as not to risk further delaying the lockdown easements.

The UK continues to lead the way in vaccination roll-out and we strongly support this effort by arranging appointments for staff and residents, providing transport where required, or facilitating onsite vaccinations with the amazing help from our local surgeries.

To all of our staff, who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic, our continued and sincere appreciation to you. We are so thankful for your continued hard work in providing support to each other and to residents.

To all residents, I humbly appreciate your continued patience and understanding. Thank you to those residents who have taken the time to share kind words of appreciation which mean so much to us all. I’ve included some of the testimonials received here ‘Building Stronger Communities’.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the LifeCare Residences’ senior management team will continue to stay close to events as they unfold and monitor advice from the relevant authorities closely to ensure that our villages and nursing homes remain a safe place to live and work.

Visitors
Until the 29th of March, we continue to operate a restricted visitors’ policy. Under this policy, visitors are permitted where these visitors are:

• Part of a resident’s support bubble
• Providing an essential service or care and support to a vulnerable person
• Privately employed or contracted to work by a resident and are permitted to continue working in line with the guidance (e.g. carers and housekeepers)
• In exceptional circumstances

Domiciliary Care
Domiciliary care is an essential service, and we continue to provide a domiciliary care service into residents’ homes.  Our teams are adhering to Public Health England and NHS guidelines on PPE, so please do not be worried if you see staff wearing masks and aprons.

Restaurants
In line with Government Guidance, we continue to operate our onsite restaurants for residents only, where they form an important part of safeguarding the mental and physical health of our residents.

Housekeeping and Laundry
Our housekeeping and laundry teams continue to operate and can provide these services to residents where requested.

Grocery Deliveries
Supermarkets remain open subject to social distancing measures in place; however, we appreciate that some residents may be apprehensive about going to supermarkets and villages are continuing to facilitate food delivery services.

Private Workers
Private workers such as carers or housekeepers are permitted into the village. Residents are asked to complete a short form to ensure these visitors do not present a risk to the wider village and understand the rules that apply to them. Please talk to your Village General Manager to find out more.

Use of Communal Gardens during Lockdown 
Our communal gardens and grounds remain accessible to residents for exercise and leisure.

Please ensure social distancing is always maintained when using the gardens and grounds.

Shielding Measures
The UK Government have advised those who are most vulnerable to once again shield and this shielding list has been expanded. We remain on hand to support shielding measures, by facilitating any assistance required to those residents who are isolated at the present moment.

Isolation Following Travel
During the lockdown period, national and international travel is not permitted without a legally valid reason. Any residents who have travelled internationally will be required to isolate within their own property for a 10 day period upon return to the village, or if returning from a specified high risk area must undergo isolation in a government run facility.

Sales and Moving Home
As announced in the 2021 budget, the stamp duty holiday has been extended for properties up to £500,000 that complete before the 30th of June 2021.
The housing market continues to operate subject to Covid-secure measures. Planned home moves may continue and sales enquiries will be permitted to view properties for sale subject to these safe procedures. Please be reassured that we also offer the option of virtual tours of our communities if you would prefer.

Coronavirus Reminders
It is recommended that you continue to observe the following practices:

• wash your hands with soap and water often to reduce the risk of infection – for at least 20 seconds
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands
• do not touch your face if your hands are not clean

Please also remember that it is still mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport or when in shops. We would also encourage the wearing of face coverings when in communal spaces.

For those residents who are vulnerable or have medical needs, onsite domiciliary teams continue to be available to help. They are best placed to help you with your individual needs (which may include taking blood samples, wound dressing, or any other clinical assistance you may require).

For general guidance on the current coronavirus measures in force from the government, please see:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Our best wishes to you and your families during this time and we thank you for your continued understanding, support and loyalty.

Gary Heather
Chief Operating Officer