28th April 2022
We all know too well how the recent Covid-19 pandemic disrupted our usual routines and that our support networks changed overnight. This time of uncertainty was not only extremely worrying for our home care clients, but also our specialist care team here at TerraBlu. However, we had to adapt swiftly so that we could continue to provide our usual high level of personalised domiciliary care with as little disruption as possible. Here we share the swift, supportive changes we put in place, and we also celebrate the special recognition for Georgia, one of our wonderful care team, who provided continual professional care to one of her lovely clients, Valerie, when she contracted Covid-19.
How our home care team kept in contact and good spirits
TerraBlu immediately looked to help find ways to ensure all our specialist carers and office team supporting elderly people to live their best independent lives in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells felt connected during the pandemic.
We set up a WhatsApp group where everybody could chat openly and feel supported daily.
Another great communication tool was using Zoom to conduct regular meetings for the management team, especially because our managing director, Richard, was stuck in Sri Lanka! We also carried out 1:1 supervision to have a catch up with our staff individually and check in on their wellbeing.
We also used Zoom to have some fun and fundraise. Staff held a Macmillan coffee morning and our Christmas quiz via Zoom.
Adapting to suit the needs of our domiciliary care clients
To protect the health of our staff, as well as our clients across Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, we made sure that all our carers had the correct PPE, uniforms and paperwork, collecting and delivering supplies regularly to make sure they had everything they needed.
We also made various goody bags and treats for our carers. The wellbeing or ‘destress bags’ were put together with the help of Emma’s daughter, who added bags of cookies and chocolate treats with positive messages on the tags, to keep spirits up.
As the pandemic kept family and friends from seeing their relatives and loved ones in person, we gave ‘Keeping In Touch’ cards to clients who didn’t have family or who were becoming distressed with the lockdown. This helped to lessen their isolation and kept them feeling buoyed and cherished.
TerraBlu’s carer Georgia receives a special ‘thank you’ from Valerie’s son, David
When our lovely client Valerie tested positive for Covid-19, her wonderful main carer, Anita, and valued TerraBlu team member, Georgia, remained on hand to help her through. Changes in their work schedule were needed to accommodate and adhere to strict Covid-19 guidelines whilst providing her care. During this worrying time, their heartfelt care allowed her family member to rest easy. Valerie’s son David is based in London and commented:
“I would like to recommend Georgia for recognition as her care for Valerie during her recent bout of Covid has been really impressive; Georgia really went the extra mile in maintaining Mum’s routine and care and always makes Mum feel happy and well looked after. A job well done, thank you.”
TerraBlu offers you and your family support with senior care within the home in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells to promote independent living for as long as possible. Our philosophy is built around real care provided with compassion and warmth, with our clients and their families at the heart of everything we do. Find out more about our services on our website or what it’s like to be part of our amazing team.