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A home care boss has praised carers as the "unsung heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic, but warns a shortage in Personal Protective Equipment will cause major problems.
Medical director of Vitality Home Health Dr Manpinder Sahota described the anxiety, worry and fear his workers have faced while caring for vulnerable people during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Dr Sahota, whose company provides care for the elderly across Kent and has offices in Gravesend and Sevenoaks, praised his workers and other care staff for their work.
"They've always been unsung heroes," he said.
"The way the public sees them is that they're not experts, even though they are. They should be seen as professionals in their area. Carers are usually always warm-hearted, compassionate and caring, which is what is needed everywhere.
"Originally the applause was mainly for the nurses and NHS workers, but I think the public have realised now how carers play a major role.
"If they weren't around, elderly people wouldn't be able to come out of hospital, or when they did get out of hospital they'd be alone and isolated for a long time."
"Initially they were absolutely frightened to work."
Vitality Home Health employs around 30 carers who visit homes across the county.
Dr Sahota, who is also a GP in Gravesend, admitted his staff were initially petrified to work during the outbreak.
He said: "Initially they were absolutely frightened to work. I had to reassure them that as long as they abide by the rules and use PPE equipment, which we had managed to buy enough of before lockdown, as well as following guidance, we would be fine.
"I think the biggest struggle was how often the advice was changing. One moment you were told to wear masks and gloves and the next it changed again, but straight from the off we told our carers to always wear a mask when they visit someone.
"We've been fortunate and acted early, and none of our customers – touch wood – have been affected by Covid-19.
"There was a big surge in work when we were getting people out of hospital from Dartford, Maidstone and Medway.
"But things have calmed down a bit now and staff know we have enough PPE, hand sanitizer and that none of our customers have contracted the virus.
Dr Sahota said there had been some troubles with PPE at other care homes and admitted it was vital staff were equipped, otherwise anxiety levels would go "through the roof".
He also predicted a second wave of the virus to come, but expects other home care agencies, including his, will be ready.
He said: "We'll just carry on what we're doing now – being on the ball, following guidance and supporting anyone who thinks they may have symptoms.
"If anyone has had them, we've had them tested and sent home straight away, but luckily nobody has tested positive."
