Research by dementia care specialist Vida Healthcare has revealed 76 per cent of adults believe it is unsafe to put a loved one in a care home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an online survey of 2,001 UK adults about the impact of the pandemic on the population’s perception of social care, more than half (53 per cent) admitted they would worry that a loved one’s health would deteriorate if they were to move into a care home, while 40 per cent would be apprehensive about not being able to visit them.
However, 64 per cent of adults are more aware of what is happening in the care industry with almost three-quarters (70 per cent) learning more about the sector from coverage in the news, and 29 per cent from social media during the pandemic.
Some 70 per cent of Brits now value social care staff and the work done in the industry as much as NHS workers, highlighting that concerns over placing a loved one in care is no reflection of the social care workforce.
Vida Healthcare said it is crucial the public is aware of the different types of care available across the country and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
“Although more people than ever are aware of social care thanks to coverage in the mainstream press and on social media platforms, for nearly two in five (37 per cent) people this is more negative than before the pandemic and almost half don’t know what specialist dementia care is,” said managing director James Rycroft.
Vida said it has introduced new initiatives during the pandemic to adapt to the virus and lockdown measures.
“Alongside weekly testing and adequate PPE, our homes use OZONE machines to sanitise each room in the building,” said Rycroft.
“This covers all surfaces with an OZONE mist and kills bacteria and viruses. Our laundry uses OZONE technology in all washes which assists with killing off any virus which has made its way onto clothing,” he added.
In addition, the research found connectivity in social care is also a significant area of concern for many, with just under half (45 per cent) keen to see better technology rolled out across residential care to enable families to stay connected virtually.
“We’ve developed our very own app, Family Team Talk, which is updated frequently and allows families to see a daily snapshot inside our care homes,” said Rycroft.
“The app is user friendly and gives families instant access to catch up on the health and wellbeing of their loved one,” he added.
