We wanted to find out about the challenges faced by care home staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand how they have managed during this time. We held a focused feedback interview with a local care home; this is what they told us.
Key findings
All staff felt anxious about the safety of those they care for, and many were concerned about the reputation of their care homes if residents caught the virus.
The care home staff we spoke to had generally been able to get PPE from Somerset County Council or through their own organisation if they were part of a larger care home group. The local community was a great support.
Care home staff felt well supported by local GPs and Somerset Council’s social care services.
Hospitals were overwhelmed at the start of the pandemic and needed to discharge patients, including into care homes, but the lack of testing had consequences.
Staff had to manage concerns about their own health as well as the health of residents, so regular staff communications and support was essential.
Most residents adapted relatively well to changes at the home with the support of care staff and relatives, but some were scared, and for some PPE was disconcerting.
The staff we spoke to think it’s important to test early and to learn from previous experiences so that they are better prepared.
Read our report
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.