In this section you will find resources, guidance and information that may be useful for care homes and domiciliary care relating to Covid-19. We will keep adding to these as further resources become available. Don’t forget to look at the other resources on this site….
If you have any resources, guidance or information, or are aware of any that we can share, please send them to sixsteps@eolp.org.uk.
**LATEST NEWS AND RESOURCES**
All new information will be added here, then moved to the appropriate area below to make way for more updates
Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes UPDATED 9 NOVEMBER 2021
New guidance means that from October (with a 16-week grace period) adult care home providers can only use those staff who have received both COVID-19 vaccinations (or those with a legitimate medical exemption) in line with government guidance. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care UPDATED 8 NOVEMBER 2021
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response UPDATED 4 NOVEMBER 2021
Guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. (Office of the Public Guardian). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care settings UPDATED 1 NOVEMBER 2021
Outlines the COVID-19 testing available for testing staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care settings.’ (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to visit website
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION FOR CARE HOMES
The resources below have been written or developed specifically for care homes
Vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes: operational guidance UPDATED 19 OCTOBER 2021
From 11 November 2021, anyone working or volunteering in a care home will need to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19), unless exempt.(Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in adult care homes UPDATED 29 SEPTEMBER 2021
How to access test kits and step-by-step guides on how to use PCR and rapid lateral flow test kits for regular and outbreak testing of residents, staff and visiting professionals.’. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to visit website
Visits out of care homes UPDATED 23 AUGUST 2021
The measures described in this guidance relate to visits where the resident leaves the care home premises. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Guidance on care home visiting UPDATED 23 AUGUST 2021
Guidance for visiting residents in care homes. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings UPDATED 23 AUGUST 2021
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19. (Public Health England). Click here to view guidance
Admission and care of residents in a care homes during COVID-19 UPDATED 17 AUGUST 2021
This guidance is intended for care homes, local health protection teams, local authorities, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and registered providers of accommodation for people who need personal or nursing care. This includes registered residential care and nursing homes for people with learning disabilities, mental health and/or other disabilities. Click here to view guidance
COVID-19: How to work safely in care homes UPDATED 16 AUGUST 2021
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19. (Public Health England). Click here to view guidance
Overview of adult social care guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATED 23 JUNE 2021
Information for adult social care providers on COVID-19 guidance and support (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Discharge into care homes: designated settings UPDATED 17 MAY 2021
Guidance on Covid-19 discharges. (Public Health England, Care Quality Commission, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): care home support package UPDATED 1 APRIL 2021
Sets out the support package to keep care homes safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to visit website
COVID-19 ‘Lockdown Learnings’ – care homes share things they found helpful PUBLISHED 24 NOVEMBER 2020
Staff from a group of care homes have shared some of the things they found helpful during the first lockdown of 2020 (My Home Life England). Click here to view document
The COVID Survival Plan for the Care Home Industry
A detailed guide outlining business support and survival strategies for the care home industry during COVID-19. (AABRS Insolvency Services). Click here to visit website
Care Homes and Home Care Toolkit
A Toolkit to provide an overview of key areas care home and homecare staff should be familiar with (Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS). Click here to view toolkit
Q&A Coronavirus (COVID-19): Dementia and care homes
Questions and answers for social care. Click here to visit website
Top Tips for Tricky Times
Top tips on eight topics relevant to care home staff, displayed on one-side of A4, which can be easily printed off to display in care home. They are asking people to register before getting free access to download just to be able to track who is interested. Click here to register and view documents
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reuse of medicines in a care home or hospice UPDATED 2 SEPTEMBER 2020
Standard operating procedure on how to run a safe and effective medicines reuse scheme in a care home or hospice during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here to view document
Video - Covid-19 Putting on and removing PPE - a guide for care homes
This video explains the standard of PPE that is safe for use in care homes (Public Health England). Click here to watch video
How to work safely in care homes. Putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) POSTER
A one page poster that complements the video (Public Health England). Download:
Putting_on_PPE_Care_Homes.pdf
How to work safely in care homes. Taking off personal protective equipment (PPE) POSTER
A one page poster that complements the video (Public Health England). Download:
Taking_off_PPE_Care_Homes.pdf
Managing the COVID-19 pandemic in care homes
This guidance has been developed to help care home staff and NHS staff who work with them to support residents through the pandemic (the British Geriatrics Society). Download:
Managing-the-COVID-19-pandemic-in-care-homes-BGS.pdf
Poster to promote future planning discussions
This poster can be used as a reminder for staff to promote future planning discussions in light of the Covid-19 situation. Download:
Future-discussion-poster.pdf
SYMPTOM AND CARE MANAGEMENT
These resources relate to direct care issues such as symptom management for care homes
Using oxygen in care homes during COVID-19 UPDATED 16 MARCH 2021
A summary of guidance for the use of oxygen. (Specialist Pharmacy Service). Click here to visit website
Review of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic UPDATED 2 FEBRUARY 2021
CQC were commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care to conduct a special review of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Care Quality Commission). Click here to view reports
Registered Nurse Verification of Expected Adult Death (RNVoEAD) guidance UPDATED 10 NOVEMBER 2020
The aim of this guidance and the accompanying competency assessment tool (See Appendix 1), is to provide a framework for the timely verification of expected adult deaths by experienced (assessed as competent), registered nurses (RNs). Download:
rnvoead-special-covid-19-edition-final-2. 9 Nov 2020
Flowchart to support implementation of national guidance on verification of death in this period of emergency
This guidance offers a flow chart for the process and an annexe with guidance for remote clinical support for verification of death . Download:
VoD__supporting_information.pdf
SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE FOR DOMICILIARY CARE
The resources below have been written or developed specifically for domiciliary care
COVID-19: How to work safely in domiciliary care UPDATED 26 AUGUST 2021
Guidance for those working in domiciliary care providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19. (Public Health England). Click here to view guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers UPDATED 14 MAY 2021
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to view guidance
Poster to promote future planning discussions
This poster can be used as a reminder for staff to promote future planning discussions in light of the Covid-19 situation. Download:
Future-discussion-poster-for-domicilary-care.pdf
SUPPORTING RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES
The following resources can be used to support residents and their families during the Covid-19 crisis
Keeping in touch when you can't be with someone who is so ill that they might die
Here are some ways that loved ones can feel closer together, even at a distance. These ideas are intended to help whether or not there is a hope that they will recover (National Bereavement Alliance). Download:
Keeping in touch when you can't be with someone who is so ill that they might die
Useful tips on the Covid-19 vaccine for people with dementia
Dementia UK has also compiled some useful information and guidance for family and friends including frequently asked questions. Download:
dementia-uk-useful-tips-on-the-covid-19-vaccine-for-people-with-dementia-december-2020-2.pdf
A dose of music with your COVID-19 vaccination PUBLISHED 4 FEBRUARY 2021
With this new guide, you can find out how music can be used to help alleviate COVID-19 jab anxiety for people living with dementia and others. Click here to read news article
Information for relatives of those in care homes
This leaflet and supporting guidance has been developed in North Central London to provide information for resident’s families and to support some of the conversations that are taking place. Download the information leaflet:
Info_for_Relatives__Care_Home_FAQs-1.pdf (An editable word version of this document can be requested from Shani Gray at shani.gray@nhs.net) and Download the slide guide:
Information_for_relatives__how_to_use_the_FAQs.pptx
Clinical guide for supporting compassionate visiting arrangements for those receiving care at the end of life
This guidance is focused on supporting compassionate visiting arrangements for those receiving care at the end of life. It provides advice on how visiting at the end of life can be facilitated across a range of settings. Download:
C0393-clinical-guide-for-supporting-compassionate-visiting-arrangements-13-may-2020.pdf
Using Skype during Pandemic Isolation
How Hospitals, Hospices & Care facilities can use Skype to reduce loneliness during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (BMJ blog). Click here to visit website
Activities for Older Adults during COVID19
A guide to online resources for those providing care for people with dementia. Download:
Maintaining-Activities-for-Older-Adults-during-COVID19.pdf
Living with dementia and COVID-19: an emergency kit
Advice and support, at-home activities and how can carers look after themselves (Rare Dementia Support). Download:
Living-with-dementia-and-COVID-19-an-emergency-kit.pdf
Talking to relatives
A guide to compassionate phone communication during COVID-19. Download:
Talking-to-Relatives-NHS-Covid19-Communications-flow-chart.pdf
Video - Effective communication during Covid-19
This video summarises how we can deliver effective communication during the current pandemic and whilst wearing PPE. Click here to watch video
Coronavirus: dealing with bereavement and grief
Cruse Bereavement Care share resources to consider how bereavement and grief may be affected by this pandemic. Click here to visit website
Supporting Carers and Care Staff to Understand and Respond to Changes in Behaviour in People with Dementia
This document has been created to help carers and care staff to understand potential changes in the behaviour of people with dementia and offer suggestions on appropriate supports (the Northern Health and Social Care Trust). Download:
Supporting-People-with-Dementia-During-Covid-19.pdf
SUPPORTING STAFF, COLLEAGUES AND OURSELVES
The following resources can be used to support staff and colleagues
Coronavirus (COVID-19): bereavement scheme for family members of NHS and health and social care workers
Information for family members of NHS workers and independent health and social care workers who have died as a result of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) Click here to visit website
Your Mind Plan - top tips and advice tailored to your needs (involves a short interactive quiz)
Answer 5 quick questions to get your free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. Published by the NHS Every Mind Matters. Click here to visit website
Mental health hotline for staff tackling COVID-19
NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for the pressures they face every day during the global health emergency. Click here to visit website
Leading through uncertainty: First Aid Kit
An 11 minute video with top tips on how to lead through uncertain times by Leadership experts Rachael Lewis & Gareth English. Click here to watch video
Looking after your feelings and body
An easy read guide to promote self care (Public Health England). Download:
Looking-after-your-feelings-and-body-easy-read-guide.pdf
Coping with your feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic
Guidance by NHS Lanarkshire Psychological Services. Click here to visit website
TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Using Syringe Drivers online 30 minute course
This session is designed to give you an overview of syringe drivers, and the different uses they have in the management of symptoms and end of life care. It will also dispel some myths and assumptions about the use of syringe drivers. This session was reviewed by Jane Naismith and Richard Kitchen and last updated in August 2018 (e-LfH). Click here for session
Video showing the set up of the T34 syringe driver
A demonstration of the set up procedure for the T34 (Claire Britton, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Sobell House Community Team). Click here to watch video
Free online Covid-19 awareness course
This free COVID-19 resource is delivered via Skills for Health, who are one of the leading UK providers of online learning for healthcare, including Statutory/Mandatory training such as Infection Prevention and Control. Click here for more information and registration
Online training session on COVID-19 and Palliative, End-of-life and Bereavement Care
This is just one of the several sessions available on e-LfH. Click here to visit website
OTHER
These resources, although not written specifically for care homes will also be very applicable
COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic UPDATED 29 OCTOBER 2021
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. (Public Health England and Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to visit website
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults UPDATED 23 AUGUST 2021
Guidance on Covid-19 vaccinations. (Public Health England). Click here to visit website
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity UPDATED 27 APRIL 2021
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity. (Department of Health and Social Care). Click here to visit website
Covid-19 vaccination - reducing vaccine hesitancy webinar 20 JANUARY 2021
A free to watch webinar about vaccine hesitancy (Healthy London Partnership) Click here to view webinar
Dementia wellbeing in the COVID-19 pandemic UPDATED 15 JUNE 2021
This resource is primarily for clinicians working with people with dementia, but can also be used by carers and people with dementia. (NHS). Click here to visit website
Third Edition Care after Death PUBLISHED 14 SEPTEMBER 2020
Guidance for staff responsible for care after death (Hospice UK). Click here to visit website
Wearing a mask: Do’s and don’ts
A useful visual guide about the dos and don’ts of mask wearing (Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust). Click here to visit website
PPE guide for community health and social care settings
What PPE to wear and when – an illustrative guide. (Public Health England). Click here to view document
Guidance Notes for Completing Advance Care Plans (ACP) Remotely
Remote Advance Care Planning Guidance developed by the Cheshire and Merseyside Network’s GP Clinical Lead, Dr Debbie Harvey. Click here to view document
COVID EOLC Community Charter
Principles and guidance to providing the best possible palliative and end of life care to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Download: [download id=”3598″
Advance care planning guidance and template
Guidance and template in the context of coronavirus (COVID19). Click here to view document
Remote assessment of mental capacity
A flowchart and guidance draws from DHSC guidance and legal commentary (see appendices within document) as well as practical tools in use in other local authorities and advocacy services. Download:
Remote-MCA-BI-assessment.pdf
NEWS AND ARTICLES
Recent updates and information
Research reveals scale of reduction in hospital treatment for care home residents and warns of backlog of pent-up demand for NHS care MARCH 2021
New research shows that the amount of hospital care received by those living in care homes in England rapidly declined in the first three months of the pandemic in 2020 and was substantially lower than in the same period in 2019 (The Health Foundation). Click here to see the report