Due to a seeming lack of tests in care homes for the elderly, the Government in the UK has pledged to test more.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “determined” to make sure that everyone who needs a test has access to one.
As mentioned yesterday if you read the article, over 2000 care homes have had outbreaks, so the increase in testing and the extra attention care homes are set to receive is welcomed by many. Because after all, care homes often house the most vulnerable.
“It’s a matter of time.”
This story comes from Gail Grant, from Swindon in Wiltshire, who hasn’t been able to visit her husband during the lockdown.
70 year old Ian, is a former dentist who has dementia and lives in a care home in Marlborough; 12 miles away from his wife.
“Because of his cognitive level, we can’t Skype or talk on the phone. He doesn’t have any understanding of the situation and doesn’t really know us anymore. But it’s more me. I’m aware I’m not going to see him,” Dr Grant says.
“They say they don’t have any cases at the moment at his home. But I think it’s a matter of time. And when any carers go down with it, it will be a difficult situation.”
She says of the official figures currently just including hospital deaths: “What right do they have to withhold information that should be in the public domain?”
Another huge concern is that a lot of workers in care homes aren’t even nurses or doctors, and they have less than sufficient PPE. It’s almost like they’ve just been forgotten about, and many workers do feel that way. One care worker described herself as envious of NHS workers, even with the immense stress they’re under too. If that doesn’t suggest a problem, I don’t know what does.
