The Ministry of Social Protection is safeguarding residents of the Palms Geriatric Home and the Night Shelter from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through the enforcement of strict hygiene practices and the use of protective gear.
In a telephone interview, Director of Social Services Whentworth Tanner told Stabroek News that the Palms has made several changes. Staff members are now required to wash their hands before entering the facility. Upon entry, they are also required to have their temperature checked to ensure there is no trace of a fever. He added that all medical personnel are equipped with face masks and gloves, while cleaners who are also equipped with face mask and gloves are also clothed in aprons to prevent spillage. Porters are also dressed in overalls, long boots and gloves.
Residents, meanwhile, are only being equipped with face masks if such is advised by a doctor.
When asked about how the administration was addressing the feelings of isolation among residents, Tanner pointed out that 25% of the residents who reside at the home are bedridden, which makes it difficult to do anything other than tidying and feeding them. However, for the able-bodied residents, he said, bedside activities are being done three times per week as part of an extra effort to entertain them. Meanwhile, televisions and newspapers are also readily available to all.
Tanner also addressed the restrictions on visitation. He explained that visitation may be allowed depending on the health condition of a resident, but the main focus is to keep in line with the restriction on visitation and to practice social distancing.
He further added that the organisation is open to receiving more hand sanitisers because “enough is never too much.”
Tanner also addressed the situation at the Night Shelter, which is managed by the ministry and he stressed that while there is also a restriction on visitation to the facility, it is not subject to a lockdown.
He pointed out that some of the residents who reside at the Night Shelter are employed and, therefore, they are allowed to go to work.
He said restriction is done based on evaluation, and while the staff members are equipped with face masks, residents are given masks based on an evaluation done by the East La Penitence outpatient clinic.
The Night Shelter, like other facilities managed by the Ministry of Social Protection, is utilising outdoor sinks to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
At the Archer’s Home, a caregiver who asked not to be named, explained that residents were spending the partial lockdown period quietly. The home, which is requiring frequent hand washing, is allowing the able-bodied residents to use face masks.
Meanwhile, in a telephone conversation Marissa Kumar, a caregiver attached to the Shaheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage, told the newspaper that they were complying with the restrictions on visitation and taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the children.
Kumar noted that during the lockdown period, the children are utilising the television as well as partaking in games, as a means of entertainment .The administrators are actively reinforcing the practice of hand washing and social distancing, so as to prevent the spread of the virus. The Non-Governmental Organisation, is however, in need of sanitisers, disinfectant and toilet paper to further aid in the caretaking of the children.
