Website of The Care Home Environment Magazine

Fighting infection and isolation: the small household model

Liz Fuggle, design consultant at HammondCare, explains how a ‘cottage’ model of elderly care turned out to be a key ally in the fight against infection and isolation during the COVID pandemic

In September 2020, Melinda Gates stated in an article in The Guardian that: ‘This pandemic has magnified every existing inequality in our society.’1

This inequality was already starkly obvious to those in the aged care sector. Already vulnerable - and at risk of isolation, loneliness, and abuse - older people living in care homes were amongst the most susceptible to infection, accounting for up to 84 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths globally.

And they were at additional risk not just because of their old age, co-morbidities, and frailty, but because of their increased likelihood of presenting with atypical symptoms. Those with dementia were less able to communicate their symptoms – sometimes leading to late diagnoses.3, 4

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Care Roadshows - Glasgow

Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow
16th April 2024

Care Show London

ExCel, London
24 April 2024 - 25 April 2024

Future of Care Leaders Conference

The King’s Fund, London
Tuesday 30th April 2024

Care Roadshows - Liverpool

Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
14th May 2024

Care Roadshows - Birmingham

Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham
16th May 2024

Care Home Awards

Royal Garden Hotel, London, W8 4PT
17th May 2024

Upcoming Events

Care Roadshows - Glasgow

Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow
16th April 2024

Care Show London

ExCel, London
24 April 2024 - 25 April 2024

Future of Care Leaders Conference

The King’s Fund, London
Tuesday 30th April 2024

Care Roadshows - Liverpool

Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
14th May 2024

Care Roadshows - Birmingham

Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham
16th May 2024

Care Home Awards

Royal Garden Hotel, London, W8 4PT
17th May 2024

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025