In some social care settings, the risks from hazardous substances may be greater and therefore the protection needed may be different.
In settings where individuals have depressed immune response, the emphasis will be on protecting the individual from microbes that are carried in by employees and visitors, so the PPE requirements will be different.
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Fine droplets can travel further and are more easily inhaled.
This means aerosol generating procedures, for example, tracheotomy, require a higher level of PPE as there is an increased risk.
In most community social care settings, the emphasis is on using PPE which has always been available.
It is about using it carefully and according to revised guidelines as well as following other government guidelines regarding social distancing and hand washing etc. We have already covered these in this course and in our freely available Coronavirus (COVID-19) Essentials course.
The situation regarding Coronavirus is changing from day to day as the scientists learn more about its behaviour. As a result, it is important that everyone keeps up to date with changes from their managers in relation to what PPE should be worn, how and when.
Individuals’ care plans should have been updated to take their specific needs into account in relation to COVID-19. It is important to read these before starting any episode of care or contact with each individual.
You and your manager should monitor the people you support for symptoms.
Look out for symptoms, such as:
The normal body temperature is between about 36 and 37 degrees C. A high temperature is usually considered to be 38 degrees C or above.
A person may have a temperature if…
| Their chest or back feel hotter than usual. |
| They have other symptoms, such as shivering (chills), sweating or warm, red skin. |
| A thermometer says their temperature is above 38 degrees C. |
If you are concerned about any of the people you support, you must inform your manager immediately.
Whilst you will wear PPE, when you know someone has symptoms, it may be appropriate to see to those individuals at the end of rounds (where safe to do so) and discuss with your manager ways you might be able to minimise direct contact where practical, to further reduce risk to yourself.
This is so that everyone can work together to reduce the transmission of the virus, protect vulnerable people who may be more susceptible to becoming ill, and protect employees and other people that they may come into contact with.
Health and Safety Executive
This is a link to a HSE web page providing further links to help employers and works in health and social care during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Care Quality Commission
This is a link to a CQC web page providing information and links for people working in adult social care services during the Coronavirus outbreak.
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