25 Mar [COVID-19] Hook’s Helping Hands Service Update
Due to the nature of our work, supporting elderly & vulnerable we can continue with this service in line with government guidance as we are classed as key workers.
Stopping support would leave many people even more vulnerable and potentially placing more of a demand on the NHS.
We are continuing to offer support with cleaning, shopping, picking up prescriptions, escorting to medical appointments, general companionship, social support & DIY jobs.
Due to many people self-isolating we are also offering telephone or video calls to help with isolation and loneliness.
We are taking precautionary measures when visiting people in their homes and these are:
- Keeping 2 metres distance wherever possible
- Wearing gloves at all times, changed per activity
- Asking service users (if mobile) to always be in a separate room to us at all times
- Asking service users to put cash down on table rather than passing hand to hand.
- Special attention is being made when cleaning homes – to clean anything that comes into contact with hands, eg light switches, doorknobs etc.
- Frequent hand washing/sanitising
- Support workers are taking their own kitchen towel to dry their hands and then dispose of safely rather than using service user’s towels.