I've learned recently certain care homes are requiring PCR tests right now before a person is allowed to stay there for respite and so on. This is all sensible and good EXCEPT the rigmarole of getting a PCR test for someone who ISN'T showing symptoms.
First off, you can pay for one (£100+) and job done. Failing that, you need to order one from the government website but the government website has 2 tests, A PCR test for people who ARE showing symptoms and a lateral flow test for people who ARE NOT and the care home only accepts results from a PCR test. DIlemma! Well you can work around this by telling your GP the situation and they should let you use them as an advocate then you can go back to the government website and tick the box 'my GP asked me to get one'.
All sorted right? NOPE! Now when you get the test through, you then have to administer it. The test requires the swab to wipe the tonsil area AND ONLY the tonsil area for a minimum of 10 seconds to avoid cross contamination. Let me tell you, looking after someone with dementia, this is about the most impossible task I have ever came across!
If anyone has had experience of the same or knows an easier way around all please lemme know.
First off, you can pay for one (£100+) and job done. Failing that, you need to order one from the government website but the government website has 2 tests, A PCR test for people who ARE showing symptoms and a lateral flow test for people who ARE NOT and the care home only accepts results from a PCR test. DIlemma! Well you can work around this by telling your GP the situation and they should let you use them as an advocate then you can go back to the government website and tick the box 'my GP asked me to get one'.
All sorted right? NOPE! Now when you get the test through, you then have to administer it. The test requires the swab to wipe the tonsil area AND ONLY the tonsil area for a minimum of 10 seconds to avoid cross contamination. Let me tell you, looking after someone with dementia, this is about the most impossible task I have ever came across!
If anyone has had experience of the same or knows an easier way around all please lemme know.
