A set of new protocols for homes for the elderly have been launched by the Government with the aim of helping to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The protocols require that staff and residents be swabbed frequently, while the temperature of each staff member should be taken twice a day. In addition, “they demand that the workers be responsible in their private lives.”

Each staff member must wear a mask at all times and hand washing must be done frequently. To ensure this, the necessary enforcement is being done, the Government said.

To further increase the protection of the elderly within the homes and those who work with them, the flu vaccine will also be offered to both the elderly and workers.

When residents in nursing homes are swabbed, nursing homes must keep relatives informed throughout the process.

In addition, those residents who will be admitted to a nursing home by the community, should be kept in quarantine for 14 days while residents who return to the nursing home after being treated in hospital will be kept in quarantine for 5 days.

Elderly residents who have an outpatient appointment, can return to the nursing home but the home must make the necessary checks to immediately notice any symptoms.

With regard to visits to the elderly, the Government said that it recommends that the respective home’s instructions be followed. Anyone who is feeling unwell should not visit elderly residents.

During visits, it is important to wear masks or visors while not making physical contact at any time. Distance should always be maintained and communication made behing perspex. Before and after the visit, visitors must also sanitise their hands. The visit area must always be disinfected between visits.

Nursing homes must be equipped with the technology necessary for virtual communication between the elderly and their relatives. In addition to technology, there must also be trained people to help the elderly in its use.

As far as food is concerned, if there are any elderly people who bring food to their relatives, then it must be done in a container that can be either wiped or sealed or disposed of. Food should not be given directly to the elderly but to those in charge of nursing homes.

Meanwhile, when it comes to activities in nursing homes, the Social Welfare Standards Authority said that it will be ensuring that they are carried out frequently but safely on a weekly basis. To do this, each member of staff must wear a mask at all times while also doing the necessary hand washing. If a visor is used, it must be sanitised frequently.

The elderly should keep in their group and not mix with residents on different floors or wards. This is to maintain the “bubble” concept.

Nursing homes must also identify an area for the hairdresser that is respectful of social distance and hygiene. The hairdresser should use personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of the resident. To ensure this, the necessary enforcement is already being done, the Government said.

Last Sunday, following the latest developments regarding Covid-19 and in line with discussions and direction given by the public health authorities, the Social Welfare Standards Authority also issued a circular stating that any head of a nursing home should ensure that residents leave the home only for medical appointments or when they need medical care.

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