As visitor numbers are currently strictly controlled, we are unable to facilitate live, in-person tours. However, colleagues will be on hand to conduct a video call which can include a virtual tour to give you a feel for the home and enable you to see some of its facilities.

OSJCT has exceeded all targets for COVID-19 testing for residents and staff as anyone displaying symptoms will be tested and will isolate until the results are known.
 
Other measures include:

• Starting from the week commencing 29th June, we have entered into the next Department of Health and Social Care testing pilot for care homes where, subject to consent, every employee will be tested once a week for four weeks, our current residents will be tested once and all new residents and employees will be tested when we welcome them into our homes. From August 2020, all care homes will receive ongoing weekly testing for employees and monthly testing for residents.
• All residents have their temperature taken daily and are tested immediately if their temperature is raised. 
• We have pulse oximeters in every home and test all residents’ oxygen levels daily. The equipment measures oxygen levels, as a drop in oxygen saturation level is an early warning sign of both COVID-19 and respiratory problems. This allows us to speak to the resident’s GP, sometimes before any other symptoms are felt.
• OSJCT employs our own clinical nurse specialist in infection control who has been instrumental in ensuring that our teams have the best protocols and procedures in place at the right time.

Government guidance requires individuals being admitted from hospital to be tested before being discharged to a care home. In addition, in order to support the most vulnerable in our care communities, OSJCT protocols require any new resident coming to the home to be supported to self-isolate for 14 days.

All our homes and schemes have stocks of PPE that far exceed minimum requirements and is being used in line with government guidance. Stock levels are monitored rigorously, and our equipment levels have not been disrupted since lockdown began.

We also have meticulous deep-cleaning practices in place which help ensure the ongoing safety of residents, staff and visitors.

We are continually working to update guidance to balance the physical health of our residents and their mental wellbeing. We recognise that contact with friends and family plays a huge rule in that. Initially we made the difficult but responsible decision to restrict access inside our homes to all but the most essential visitors required to protect the health of our residents. In place of visits in person, we provided technology to enable video calling.

We are now facilitating socially distanced visits of up to 30 minutes between one resident and up to two visitors from the same household or social bubble. The visits are by appointment only and happen in an outside space or from a ground floor room window. Please note all new residents can receive visitors after 14 days’ self-isolation.

Where circumstances such as deteriorating health mean that a visit is essential, we will plan for a visit inside the home. Visitors will be provided with PPE and given detailed advice prior to their visit.

Colleagues have worked tirelessly to ensure that a full range of vibrant and engaging activities are maintained. This has included baking, gardening and croquet in the garden where possible.

You can read more about these activities here.

View our stories

The key thing is that you thoroughly research your home – it must be right for you and your family. You should visit www.cqc.org.uk and read the homes’ latest Care Quality Commission report, and then head to www.carehome.co.uk where you can see reviews of homes you are interested in.

To discuss our homes, you can contact OSJCT on 0800 9888133 and visit our Find A Home section on the website. In ‘normal circumstances’ we would arrange a visit to the home, so are working hard to arrange as many ‘’virtual visits’ as we can during the Covid-19 restrictions.

To see if you are entitled to funding, we have prepared a funding document to help you navigate the rules and regulations.

If you do not qualify for council or local authority funding, you can approach The Society of Later Life Advisers, which offers impartial advice on finance for care homes. If you do qualify for funding, or believe you could be entitled to a contribution, you should approach your local authority to find out more.

A financial assessment will then be carried out and you will be able to sign a contract, move in and join our vibrant, supportive community.