Coronavirus Update (08 February 2021):
We remain open to new residents but understand how difficult it can be for families who are worried that they may not be able to visit their loved ones regularly.
Rest assured we have our own purpose built safe visiting pod, that is fully compliant with government guidance.
This means that you will be still be able to visit your loved ones even during a national lockdown.
Our pod has a full Perspex screen and intercom system installed to maximise communication and our residents love to see and speak to their families regularly.
Some residents enjoy keeping touch by telephone; however, we also have tablets and smart phones available for residents to enjoy video calls with their families and friends whenever they wish.
Coronavirus Update (22 January 2021):
Covid-19 not all bad news…
The pandemic has hit all of us hard. For those of us working or living in a care home times have been particularly tough and our thoughts go out to everyone who has lost someone they love before their time.
Amba Care Homes Group has 4 residential care homes, all of which have suffered an outbreak of Covid-19 in the last 10 months and wanted to share our experience and thoughts about the effects of the pandemic on our staff our residents and our homes:
Despite what we have been led to believe by the government, testing positive for Covid-19 is not a death sentence for older people or people with serious underlying medical conditions. The majority of our residents have not had any symptoms or any long-term effects from the virus and the majority of residents who did experience symptoms have recovered.
Our practice has improved and staff have stepped up to the infection control challenges of Covid-19.
Our culture has changed. Our managers have worked shoulder to shoulder with our staff in very difficult circumstances. They have got to know the staff better and the staff have got to know them. The staff have demonstrated greater respect and trust in our managers and our provider who has made sure that we have never gone without everything we have needed to keep safe.
Our homes have more of a community feel with staff, residents and relatives looking out for each other and offering unlimited encouragement and support.
The way that we communicate has evolved and improved by using our existing technology more effectively and through the introduction of new technology into our homes. As a consequence, the challenge of communicating with staff who work shifts or unsociable hours has been resolved; and in this climate of constant and rapid change we have found ourselves able to get a message out to staff within minutes of a changes to government guidance.
Our service has become more flexible, creative and innovative to support our residents to maintain relationships with their families and their local communities. We have built safe visiting pods, set up WhatsApp groups and video calls to support our residents to access medical support and visit with their family and friends.
We have recruited high quality, experienced staff who are actively seeking to work for smaller providers where they can work safely and make a real difference.
Public Health England have advised us that we are unlikely to have ever have another full outbreak of Covid-19 in our homes as many of our residents and staff will have developed antibodies to Covid-19 or have had the Covid-19 and the Influenza vaccines.
We have weathered the storm and are now able to confidently accept enquiries for permanent and respite stays at our lovely homes.
Coronavirus Update (03 July 2020):
Our Homes Remain Closed to Visitors
In order to continue to keep our residents safe, we have made the difficult decision to remain closed to visitors until further notice.
Necessary visits by medical professionals will continue as will visits from contractors required to maintain essential services and ensure our homes are safe.
We remain open to new residents subject to thorough assessment and a period of isolation on admission.
Please be reassured that we have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any disruption during these challenging times; and that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our residents and our staff safe.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Coronavirus Update (22 March 2020):
Our Homes are Closed to Visitors
In order to continue to keep our residents safe, we have made the difficult decision to close our homes to visitors until further notice.
Necessary visits by medical professionals will continue as will visits from contractors required to maintain essential services and ensure our homes are safe.
We remain open to new residents subject to a thorough assessment and a period of isolation on admission.
Please be reassured that we have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any disruption during these challenging times; and that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our residents and our staff safe.
Revised Visitor Policy (Update from Amba Care Homes Group as of 19 March 2020)
The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff is our priority at
Amba Care Homes Group.
In response to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus in the UK, we have revised our visitor policy.
In accordance with Public Health England and local authority guidance;
- Our home is closed to visitors who have travelled abroad in the last 14 days, are not self-isolating or have any symptoms of a cold or other infection
- Only 1 visitor at a time per resident
- No children
- Visitors must use the hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the home
- Visits will take place in resident rooms
- Visitors will not be permitted to interact with other residents or move freely around the home
In addition, we are no longer able to welcome outside entertainers or visiting groups to our homes. Contractors will only be permitted to enter the home for essential safety works and with the express permission of the Home Manager.
Please be reassured that we have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any disruption during these challenging times. We are doing everything we possibly can to keep our residents and our staff safe.
