Many residents are rightly concerned about what is happening in our care homes across the County. One care home in Stanley has seen a large number of elderly residents dying from the Virus.

If anyone knows of any facility which does not have the equipment or staffing that it needs or of any other problems please do let us know.

COUNCIL ASSISTANCE FOR CARE HOMES

The Council is giving extensive help to care home providers including:

Increasing fees for the current new financial yer by 5%

Making immediate cash advances to care homes to assist with cash flow

Paying an additional 10% uplift in fees until the end of June to help with additional costs on top of the inflation increase.

Helping to fast track applications for new carers including with references, DBS checks and training.

Our biggest concern right now is whether all care homes and their staff are getting the personal protective equipment they need and whether care homes all have sufficient staffing.

The government has also relaxed access for relatives to make sure they can visit elderly family members who are seriously ill. If you or anyone you know find that this advice is not being followed please do let us or the council know.