Covid testing

[thelmar]

Does anybody know if home carers are still expected to do Covid tests? I have a new carer and when she came today she was coughing a lot. I asked her when she had last tested and she said she hasn’t tested since January of this year.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Don’t know if they do - I was under the impression people were just to carry on and go to work but you would think if you were a career you might feel you had a duty of care to your clients and would test yourself to protect them. I suppose they will have to buy their own tests now though.

[bpeal1]

I don’t know about carers but hospital staff no longer have to test. However, if staff are displaying symptoms they shouldn’t be at work (the same rules as has always applied to flu)

[ashleybakerr01]

I'm in an home caregiver. Have been for a few years. Off and on due to mental health. But yes, they're supposed to if they are sick. They're supposed to keep masks on too if they're sick and as a mandatory to protect those they're caring for. I even did when I felt fine just the be more safe.

[Blackberrywine]

I don't think so. The testing was for the original strain which is no longer around. They don't test for flu so suspect this is the same. There are a lot of winter viruses about atm. She shouldn't have seen you if poorly.

[thelmar]

Thanks for the replies about this.

[wishbone]

If there are still rules, then you can't rely on people sticking to them. Best wear a good ffp2/3 mask.

[Bails67]

My mums career doesn’t and they probably like a lot of people have to work or they don’t get paid. As others have said no tests in place anymore.I make sure my mum is up to date with her vaccines and her careers still wear a mask and gloves( not really sure if that makes a difference anyway).

[Stills]

we’ve just appointed a carer for our Mum with dementia. She does not test or wear a mask. We decided Mum would wear a mask during close contact instead. It seems a good compromise.

[KRB1]

Please talk to their administrator... you should demand they test. My father- in- law passed away because his caretaker gave him covid. All other people that came to the house were vaccinated. Protect yourself and get the vaccine also. You have the right to be protected from anyone that comes into your home 🏡 I am praying for you to get well. 🙏♥️🌹

[Blackberrywine in reply to KRB1]

I'm afraid the vaccine neither prevents the individual from catching, or passing on covid. Pretty much like the flu.

[Poshcards]

ask her to wear a mask, each time she comes, if she respects you, she will x

[katieoxo60]

Firstly thelma I don't think theres any legal ruling on this. But in most cases the rule of care for your client is a better guide line. Plus you can insist she must be tested when visiting your home it only costs a £1 for a test if you buy five or more, so I guess my sentiment is how much does a person value thier own health or clients. Those who visit my home have a pact that if they seem ill they will ring me and miss my call better safe than sorry. I am a high risk person due to lung condition and other health issues. Also if I have illness I cancel them out of courtesy so far using common sense has worked. Best Wishes.