This is a very challenging situation for all and many almshouse trustees and clerks are working through the difficult balance of protecting residents through reiterating guidance and advice and respecting independent living.
The Association would like to offer some guidance to help work out that balance and avoid stress to staff, residents and potential negative publicity.
We are aware that our members have taken a number of different approaches to protecting their residents, from simply reminding them of the government guidelines of social distancing, shielding and self-isolation, to full lockdowns where only a limited group of people are allowed to enter the almshouse complex.
Where an
almshouse charity chooses to implement a full lockdown, we recommend that you
do this in consultation with your residents and keeping in mind the current
government guidelines which state that individuals are allowed to leave their
homes to:
- Go shopping for basic necessities and medicine
as infrequently as possible
- Take one form of exercise a day alone or with a
member of their household
- Attend a medical appointment, donate blood or
provide care to vulnerable person
- Travel to work if they are unable to work from
home
If your charity chooses to implement a lockdown which places more stringent restrictions on your residents without their full support, you may struggle to enforce these and, where you do, you may not have the support of the courts if the matter is taken further. The only instance where your charity may be able to take action against a resident is if they are deliberately endangering others within the community or their actions fall under the terms of your letter of appointment as anti-social behaviour (e.g. they are inviting friends or family into the almshouses) and any action has to follow the usual procedures. If your residents are going out for shopping or to take some exercise, you cannot prevent them from doing this – you can only encourage them to do this in reference to the government guidelines.
We recommend keeping an eye on government guidance around social distancing and continually remind your residents of the restrictions in place. If you feel that your residents are deliberately ignoring the restrictions and you feel are putting others at increased stress and risk then you could consider reporting them to the police who will be able to speak to the resident and take further action if needed.
Members have been sharing with the Association what practices they have put in place. If you would like to read about what other almshouse charities have found is working for them, please click here
Posted 6 April 2020 15:10