Care Homes during Covid: Care staff perspective

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.