Unpaid carers to receive PPE under new government scheme

The government has launched a new scheme allowing all unpaid carers in England, who do not live with the people they care for, to apply for free PPE.

Following a successful pilot scheme to establish the distribution method and logistics, free PPE is now being made available to unpaid carers who need it, so they continue to keep themselves and those they care for safe from COVID-19 if they have to move between households.

The provision of free PPE to unpaid carers will be available until the end of June 2021 but this date could be extended.

Local Authorities and local resilience forums (LRFs) were informed of the extended PPE offer by letter sent 25 January and already almost two-thirds have signed up to support this.

Ms Whately is calling for more to take part to help unpaid carers in their areas access free PPE.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of this pandemic. All too often their kindness and devotion go unseen and unacknowledged by society.

“I know the enormous strain this pandemic has placed on those caring for family and those they love. I’m determined to do everything possible to support them.

“Working with local authorities and voluntary organisations, we have already improved access for carers to testing and supported day services to stay open safely during this second wave. I’m pleased we can now roll out free PPE for those unpaid carers who are advised to use it.”

Work with local authorities has begun to set up distribution systems nationwide following a successful pilot scheme.

Professor Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for Adult Social Care, said: “It is important everything is done to protect those who are vulnerable and the people who care for them.

“Unpaid carers provide a fundamental pillar supporting our social care system and have the gratitude of a nation for their work before, during and after this pandemic.

“The scientific advice is to wear PPE while caring and we are ensuring extra-resident unpaid carers can now access this for free.”

As part of this, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) social care working group has recommended unpaid extra-resident carers should follow the same PPE procedures recommended for domiciliary care workers.

The government’s infection prevention control guidance has been continually reviewed and has evolved over time in response to the changing epidemiology of COVID-19 and the emergence of new evidence and science.

Financial support is also available for local authorities and resilience forums to support the rollout and following information sessions, the majority of local authorities have signed up and more are expected.