The Alzheimer’s Society is asking care home managers and other workers to complete a short survey to find out the challenges they face in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.
The answers will be used to inform the charity’s campaigning calls to the UK government following recent data that showed a sharp rise in care home deaths.
With 95% of people with dementia being over 65, many are extremely vulnerable to contracting the virus.
More than 400,000 people are living in care homes in the UK and 70% have dementia, many with other underlying conditions.
However, reports from care homes show that testing for residents and care home staff is not routinely taking place so far, and that many staff still do not have access to PPE, putting both themselves and residents at risk.
“Care homes have become the ‘forgotten front line’ in the fight against coronavirus. Following our urgent letter to Matt Hancock, we are keeping a close watch to make sure the government’s plans to help care home residents are backed up by actions and not just words,” said Alzheimer’s Society chief operating officer Kathryn Smith (pictured).
“To do this successfully, we need your help and opinions to make sure we’re prioritising the most urgent issues affecting care homes today,” she added.
To take part in the survey, follow the online link.
