CEO of Harrogate care group says changing covid restrictions are "confusing" for vulnerable
Harrogate Neighbours provides care to vulnerable people across the district
The Chief Executive of a Harrogate care group has warned vulnerable people are being left confused by constantly changing coronavirus restrictions.
Sue Cawthray from Harrogate Neighbours says staff are having to explain again why people can't see their families.
She said: " Once again we find ourselves where we're going to be there to support them, because they aren't able to see their families.
"It's about how we're balancing everybody's mental health and wellbeing.
"That puts added pressure on the staff because we've got our work to do but we've also got to be their support as well."
The government have said visits to care homes can take place with arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, or behind windows. Close-contact indoor visits are not allowed. No visits will be permitted in a home in the event of an outbreak.
Residents cannot meet people indoors on a visit out (for example, to visit their relatives in the family home).
The government guidance says visiting should be supported and enabled wherever it is possible to do so safely – in line with this guidance and within a care home environment that takes proportionate steps to manage risks.
It's been confirmed that high priority groups, including older residents in care homes and care home workers, will be vaccinated first, with the over 80s and health and social care workers next in line.
Sue added that many of her members of staff are asking when they will get access to the coronavirus vaccine.
She said: "I know it's a challenge in itself to get it out to people and there's going to be a huge pressure on the health service. But, those in care settings need to know that it's going to be imminent.
"It is a huge operation to vaccinate so many people but I think with my staff we feel very vulnerable so we need that vaccine ASAP.
"I've got staff that are going out to people's homes. I've got people delivering food so I've got to weight up all the risks that people are taking to make sure our vital service keep running."