COVID-19 and Infection Prevention Policy
Strong Life Care | Celebrating Lives
At Strong Life Care, the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our teams will always be a priority.
We recognise that protecting people from infection is important, but so too are the relationships, companionship and everyday experiences that make life meaningful.
Our approach to COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses is guided by current public health advice, good infection prevention practices and, above all, compassion and common sense.
Visiting Our Care Homes
Families and friends are always welcome at Strong Life Care.
We understand how important regular visits are to our residents’ happiness and wellbeing. Our homes operate an open and welcoming visiting approach, with no routine requirement to book appointments in advance.
We simply ask visitors to help us protect everyone by:
- Postponing visits if they are feeling unwell, particularly with symptoms of COVID-19, flu, sickness or diarrhoea.
- Following good hand hygiene when entering and leaving our homes.
- Respecting any additional infection prevention measures that may be necessary from time to time.
If you are unsure whether it is safe to visit, please contact the Home Manager, who will be happy to advise.
Managing Infections and Outbreaks
Although COVID-19 is now managed alongside other respiratory infections, we remain mindful that older people and those with underlying health conditions can be particularly vulnerable.
Our teams follow established infection prevention and control procedures to reduce the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza and norovirus.
Should an outbreak occur, we will work closely with relevant healthcare professionals and local Health Protection Teams to manage the situation safely.
Any additional precautions will be proportionate to the risks involved, and we will keep residents and their families informed.
Our aim is always to maintain meaningful contact between residents and their loved ones. Even during an outbreak, we will make every effort to support safe visiting, particularly where residents need additional emotional support or are receiving end-of-life care.
We recognise that isolation can have a significant impact on wellbeing, and our approach will always consider each resident’s individual needs.
Admissions and New Residents
We warmly welcome new residents into our care homes and understand that moving into care can be an emotional time for individuals and their families.
Routine negative COVID-19 tests are not required before admission.
However, we take appropriate precautions where someone has symptoms of an infectious illness or has recently been diagnosed with an infection.
In these circumstances, our Home Managers will work with healthcare professionals, the resident and their family to assess any risks and agree the safest arrangements for admission.
Every decision will be made individually, balancing infection prevention with the person’s care needs, wellbeing and circumstances.
Our Commitment to Residents and Families
At Strong Life Care, we believe that excellent care means looking after the whole person, not simply their physical health.
Our commitment is to:
- Provide safe, welcoming and comfortable homes.
- Protect residents while respecting their choices, dignity and independence.
- Encourage meaningful relationships with family and friends.
- Communicate openly and sensitively when concerns arise.
- Follow current government and public health guidance.
- Ensure our teams receive appropriate infection prevention and control training.
We know that families place enormous trust in us when choosing care for someone they love. We take that responsibility seriously.
Strong Life Care – Celebrating Lives, Safely and Together.
For further information about visiting arrangements or infection prevention measures at any of our homes, please contact the Home Manager, who will be happy to help.
This policy is reviewed in line with changes to relevant government guidance, public health recommendations and regulatory requirements.