The government has provided 'recommendations' with regards care visits at home, not mandatory instructions. If the carer is coming into direct contact with the person then they recommend gloves, apron & mask. If the carer is having no direct contact then they recommend a mask (as a minimum). If your mother's carer is not following the care agency's infection control instructions then it's best to let the agency know. Here is the latest government guidance, which has been updated at various times during lockdown:
Hi the lady inquestion is such a lovely hady,she must be nearly 70 and has even brought in a couple of quick books to read my mum on the bed call,but she seems to also have a stubborn side for instance at first she was the only person not to wear an apron and when I mentioned it a while ago she said it was because they didn't fit her and that the office knew,but the next night she wore one and it fitted fine!.
So when I saw her last night I thought,God not again no apron again and no mask tonight,I let it go last night,but I don't need a maverick that might influence other people not to bother wearing the ppe,if she comes without a mask tonight,I will hand her one of mine.
I have had one carer that I have to remind that the mask should cover her nose too as she somethinmes wears it only over her mouth and I would like them to wear them from before entering the house until after they have left,but a couple of the girls take them off after they have left mums bed area,and then walk around unmasked.
It makes me feel like I'm treating them like lepers,but at the end of the day,I always wear a mask myself at the shops and I can't account for their movements away from the house.
As well as clinical masks the girls have also been given washable masks,so I would hope that they can wear them to avoid the need to pay any costs for ppe