Running a homecare business during a Pandemic....

Running a homecare business during a pandemic wasn’t part of my business plan. I wrote a very detailed business continuity plan years ago and update it annually but nothing prepared us for this.

BUT, here at Home Instead – Wimbledon & Kingston, I am very proud to say that we are doing really very well despite many humps in the Covid-19 road.

After an initial couple of weeks of clients and CAREGivers running for the hills and placing themselves into self-isolation, we were left with those clients who couldn’t do without our care, as well as those who appreciated the need for companionship and help at home, during the lockdown. With many families and loved ones unable to visit, our CAREGivers have become so important in preventing loneliness and isolation.

With 180 CAREGivers working harder than ever, they have risen to their new front line, key worker status, with pride and determination. They have stepped up, put themselves out there, taken on more hours, gone above and beyond to keep our clients safe and supported. Despite the fears and the constant threat of catching the virus themselves, they have kept up with guidance and training and understand the rules regarding donning and doffing PPE.

Procuring PPE has been an interesting challenge not helped by the conflicting advice and media scaremongering. We have stuck to the official Govt and PHE guidance and thankfully have enough to keep our staff and clients safe.

We are all having to think and work differently. Many of our clients living with dementia are finding these times hard, not having their routine and community events to attend and for some the donning of masks makes communication even more challenging. With little time for respite, just an hour to themselves whilst our CAREGiver visits, is helping loved ones cope with the 24/7 demands of dementia confusion.

Despite all this, our office is still open, with a team of 5 out of 17 in every day, the rest working remotely. Our phone is ringing with clients needing our services. We are still able to conduct Care Consultations and commence care as we have the capacity to help more people get through this. Our hospitals have needed to free up beds and Care Homes locking down has meant new plans have had to be implemented and we have been happy to help.

I am looking forward to enjoying calm times and down time when this all over, but for now we will enjoy the recognition of the Thursday night clapping and continue to support the most precious of people, our old folk, your parents, grandparents and loved ones.

To all our superhero CAREGivers – thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Clare x