The nation – and the rest of the world – are currently transfixed on the news for more updates on the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. Updates are being released to the public every day; often with news of funding being given to a specific demographic.
One question is circulating on a regular basis, however – what about individuals in care? While hospitals are filling more and more each day, providing essential treatment to those with symptoms of COVID19 – this is putting those who were ready to transition back to the community, at risk.
Help is on the way
Towards the end of last week, the Chancellor announced £1.6 billion would be given to local authorities across the country, to help them in responding to COVID19 pressures across the services they deliver.
A further £1.3 billion is to be given to the NHS to assist with discharging patients no longer in need of urgent treatment, to return home – or to their care setting, at a faster – yet safe – time frame.
The care industry has struggled in recent years, to keep up with the demand of social care for adults in the UK – whether they are returning home following an operation, or whether they are transitioning into a community care setting to ease them back into daily life.
As the Government releases this £2.9 billion, the NHS will find up to 15,000 hospital beds across England freed up, providing staff with more capacity to treat those in need of urgent care.
Where do we step in
Care providers – such as Virtue Health Services – are able to provide a complete care package, to assist with the transition from hospital to home.
At Virtue, our small 2-bedroomed care home, provides a safe environment for adults living with complex needs from severe autism and learning disabilities, to mental health. We offer transitions from nursing care, into more independent living. A Community Pathway such as Ashdale House, will provide the complex care required for individuals, whilst steadily reintroducing them back into their community.
Often a big step from nursing care environments, back into society, our Community Pathway model helps to restore and redevelop the skills to enable individuals to live more independently.
Virtue Health Services equips individuals with the confidence and skills to develop an identity within their community, make their own decisions and live the best version of their life. With a focus on rehabilitation into a more independent life, we still provide the much required care and support. So, even if individuals cannot live without some form of care and support, they are still more independent than they perhaps thought achievable.