With the third coronavirus lockdown in the UK set to continue throughout February and beyond, we are all continuing to make an effort to control the virus. There do, however, continue to be heart breaking stories of devastating Covid outbreaks in care homes, factories and workplaces.
As reported in the EDP, Norfolk has been particularly affected by outbreaks in care homes leading to the tragic deaths of residents. Data from the Care Quality Commission shows the virus killed 68 care home residents in the week ending January 22 – a record number since the start of the pandemic.
It is the second week in a row that Norfolk features in the 10 worst-hit counties in terms of Covid care home deaths, with only five other counties in England having a higher number of care home deaths in the same week – Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hampshire and East Sussex.
Whilst care homes and care home staff should be praised for their unrelenting efforts in providing quality care for their residents throughout the pandemic, it is only natural that families will be very worried about their loved ones in care homes during this time.
Rachel Frammingham, Hatch Brenner Private Client Paralegal commented: “Care home residents may want to update their Will or create Lasting Powers of Attorney but perhaps feel isolated and that during lockdown Solicitors may not be able to help them or see them due to many workplaces having shut or staff being on furlough.
“At Hatch Brenner, we remain open and accessible to help with our clients’ needs during this time. We are, in particular, able to offer care home residents and their families peace of mind knowing, during the current pandemic, they can access the vital legal services they need to update their Will or make LPAs. Making a valid Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney is a positive step which care home residents and their families can take during this uncertain time. Both offer the comfort in knowing that the individual’s wishes will be protected for the future.”
Ms Frammingham continues: “Specifically for care home residents, we can offer flexible appointments to suit the client such as telephone or video call appointments for example via Zoom. We can send Will and LPA documentation out in the post to sign and return to us for checking. We have even arranged to hand deliver documentation through the window of the care home itself in a safe and socially distanced way. We are also pleased to offer the same service to key worker care home staff who continue to work tirelessly on the front line.”
If you would like to contact Rachel to discuss making a Will or Lasting Powers of Attorney, please call 01603 214 220.
Reference: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/claremont-lodge-confirms-coronavirus-cases-7075380