As carers have a consistently close connection to the elderly and vulnerable, leading bodies like Carers UK is in constant contact with the government regarding their response to the coronavirus. We want to ensure that the needs of carers and our clients are fully considered and that our carers have the information they need to […]
As carers have a consistently close connection to the elderly and vulnerable, leading bodies like Carers UK is in constant contact with the government regarding their response to the coronavirus. We want to ensure that the needs of carers and our clients are fully considered and that our carers have the information they need to be provided to continue their work safely and effectively. As restrictions are easing across the UK, we need to know what support is available as carers, both for our own safety and the safety of those we care for, it is important to manage the risk posed by Coronavirus.
There are several steps we can take to protect those who are most vulnerable in this coming winter where both flu and coronavirus are paramount hazards. Despite the vaccination programme against covid 19, we must still take precautions when caring for the vulnerable. Carers will receive vaccinations to help protect their clients, and whilst this offers a very high rate of protection, measures must still be taken in precaution, such as continuing to wear a mask and washing hands regularly and maintaining distance when or where possible.
The government has passed the Coronavirus Act 2020. We have recognised that emergency measures are only to be utilised in times of emergency, however, we ensure that our carers feel safe, and their needs are met and delivered as far as possible. Local authorities in England have been given the power to make decisions on moving to emergency measures. If they do decide to activate these measures, they can reduce the duties under the Care Act 2014, and they must still carry out some form of assessment with carers and their prevention duties still exist.
We are in cooperation with authority bodies who are developing information for carers and what their rights mean and how we can be affected by this. As carers, we are represented to the government through authority bodies to share how unpaid carers can be better supported in any emergency measures, as well as supporting the rights of carers regarding their own safety during the Covid 19 pandemic. There is a call for better coverage of PPE and adequate support for social care so we as carers can cope with the additional pressures of coronavirus. Income has been called to be protected as at a time when the Government is needing families to step in to care when they can, financial support should be given to do so.
