97 year old won’t let Carers in

[Wnikat]

My 97 year old grandmother lives alone, with Carers going in 6 times a day. However she is now refusing to let them in, as she is worried they will be spreading the virus from client to client. My mother normally visits her every couple of days but is herself on the vulnerable list so this no longer seems like a good idea.

My mother is worried that the house will be filthy, food spilt everywhere and issues with grandma’s personal care.

If I quarantine for 14 days (no symptoms but have been to the shops in an affected area), would it be safe for me to visit her to make sure she has what she needs and to ensure the house doesn’t become squalid?

I know travelling to provide care is permitted, but I don’t want to just be another source of infection. On the other hand I can’t bear the idea of her living in filth.

Every time you go to the shop you are re-exposing yourself.

You have decide what is best for your grandmother. If she needs people to feed her and get her up and put to bed it may be you have no choice. You could take clean clothes to wear when you get there. Wear a mask to stop yourself breathing on her or on surfaces. There is no point allowing her to isolate if that is dangerous to her health.

(If by living in filth you mean a little bit of dust and the hoovering hasn't been done then don't go.....but no one gets carers 6 times a day unless they need a lot of help. I would think they are sorting out her toilet needs - and that can't be left).

You have to go based on what you are comfortable with as a family. As you say it is permitted for you to go. If she normally needs carers 6 times a day but is refusing anyone else, it sounds like she really does someone she is comfortable with coming in to ensure her needs are met.

Have you read the guidance online? Wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces, minimise the time and contact. There is a section on visiting a vulnerable person to provide care. There is also a link buried in there to register her for potential support if needed from government (eg delivering groceries, meds). You can fill it for her but use your contact details to coordinate.

For reference (from the link):

What is the advice for informal carers who provide care for someone who is extremely vulnerable?

If you are caring for someone who is extremely vulnerable due to severe illness from COVID-19, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time. Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene:

• only care that is essential should be provided
• wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• do not visit or provide care if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
• provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
• find out about different sources of support that could be used and accessing further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
• look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available.

(There are some hyperlinks embedded on the actual page)