We are dedicated to helping the elderly, and we have taken proactive steps during this challenging time to support our clients and their families. We recommend that families remember these precautions when considering ways to provide care to aging loved ones during infectious disease pandemics.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
When looking at care options, consider home care as an option due to its ability to keep the elderly safe and independent in their own home by promoting social distancing.
Caregivers can pick up groceries, medications, and other items that seniors need, minimizing their interaction with other people who may have been infected with the virus.
Our Home Care Service Helps Protect Our Clients
Our caregivers and team members have received training regarding these virus protocols:
- Symptoms
- Travel reporting requirements
- Respiratory etiquette
- Safety protocols
- Proper handwashing techniques
- Warning signs of illness
- Infection control, including effective disinfecting of surfaces and hands
Clients and families should report the following to their Care Manager if they:
- Are infected or being treated for possible infection of COVID-19
- Have traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list
- Have limited mobility and need support in getting medical supplies or basic necessities (water, gloves, cleaning products, etc.)
Our team will not place a caregiver with a client for a minimum of two weeks or until cleared by a medical provider if the caregiver has:
- Traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list in the prior two months
- Been exposed to a place where COVID- 19 is being treated
- Started showing symptoms of the virus
Our team will not place a caregiver who has symptoms of virus infection on assignment or accept new clients who show symptoms that are highly consistent with the COVID-19 diagnosis or who have traveled to Level one through three areas in the last two weeks.
What we currently know about the Coronavirus:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How the virus spreads:
According to the CDC, the virus is now spreading from person to person mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
A person can be infectious before showing symptoms, which is why it is important to practice proper social distancing measures. To reduce the risk of infection, older adults should avoid leaving their homes unless it’s critically necessary.
Your Role in Keeping Your Family and Yourself Safe
The CDC recommends taking precautions to prevent the spread of the diseases:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Routinely clean and disinfect objects and surfaces since the virus is very susceptible to common anti-bacterial cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and anything alcohol-based
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw it away
- Refill critical prescription medications
- Reschedule routine medical appointments
- Utilize telemedicine or other virtual tools to if you need to connect with your physician
- Seek out information from reliable sources
- Stay positive and reassure those around you
- Find emotional support by communicating with friends or family via the phone or internet
If you are sick or at risk:
- Use a face mask a to avoid spreading to others
- Stay at home and avoid other people
The symptoms of the virus:
Common symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Most vulnerable groups:
Older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems or certain preexisting conditions.
Those who have traveled to areas most affected by the virus.
Individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals.