Original Research Articles
Safety practices and recommendations in government elderly care homes for the prevention of COVID-19
Authors:
Amila Chandrasiri,
University of Melbourne, Australia, AU
About Amila
School of Population and Global Health
Shiromi Maduwage,
Ministry of Health, LK
About Shiromi
Youth, Elderly & Disability Unit
Dilhar Samaraweera,
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, LK
About Dilhar
Geriatric Unit
Upuli Perera ,
University of Queensland, AU
About Upuli
School of Public Health
Lushanthi Kannangara,
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, LK
About Lushanthi
Geriatric Unit
Maheshi Wijayandara,
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, LK
About Maheshi
Geriatric Unit
Prasad Thilakarathne,
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, LK
About Prasad
Geriatric Unit
Lashmini Wijerathne
University of Coventry, GB
About Lashmini
Global Health Care Management
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID- 19 related mortality in elderly care facilities is a known challenge in many countries.
Objectives: To assess the safety practices among elderly care homes during COVID-19 outbreak
Methods: A secondary analysis of a survey in elderly care homes done among 19 randomly selected elderly homes in Southern Province. Guidelines used in Australian and United Kingdom were reviewed for the recommendations.
Results: Measuring body temperature among staff was not practised in more than 50% (n= lO) homes. Other safety measures are practising among more than 50% homes. Availability of hand sanitizers and face masks are more than 50% (n=13; %=63%). Availability of thermometers is very low. According to reviewed guidelines, the two countries have identified common important steps in prevention and control.
Conclusions & Recommendations: Residents and staff should be strictly advised to adhere with safety measures more logistics and trainings should be provided.
How to Cite:
Chandrasiri, A., Maduwage, S., Samaraweera, D., Perera, U., Kannangara, L., Wijayandara, M., Thilakarathne, P. and Wijerathne, L., 2021. Safety practices and recommendations in government elderly care homes for the prevention of COVID-19. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 27(4), pp.477–482. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v27i4.8413
Published on
30 Dec 2021.
Peer Reviewed
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