Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report which highlighted the key issues with respect to the impact of Covid-19 on safeguarding in care homes.

It was noted that the current global Covid-19 Pandemic was unprecedented and the impact for individuals, families, communities and wider society was significant and long lasting.  It had touched every part of people’s lives and had required individuals and organisations to adapt to new daily interactions, social distancing, shielding, undertaking assessments by phone or using digital solutions to continue essential business.  Further, many of the existing protective factors in the lives of adults at risk of abuse and harm had been temporarily absent or limited. 

Members received information on the significant and sustained impact Covid-19 had had on the care home and domiciliary care sectors, for both residents and staff.  It was noted that a Care Home Resilience Group had been established, chaired by the Director for Adult Social Care, which oversees work undertaken by all partners within the Borough in relation to care homes.

It was commented that nationally there was concern over the number of vacancies in care homes and the viability of some because of this. The situation was being monitored in the Borough.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.