Home Care Assistance is dedicated to the senior population, and we have taken proactive measures during this difficult time to support our clients and families. We recommend that families take the following into account when considering ways to provide care to aging loved ones to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
When looking at care solutions, consider home care as a viable option due to its ability to keep seniors safe in their own home by promoting social distancing.
Caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people.
Senior Care in the Age of COVID-19
Featuring Dr. Milana Boukhman Trounce
With information surrounding Coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it's challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home or in communities. Join Home Care Assistance and Seniorly for a webinar featuring Dr. Milana Boukhman Trounce, Physician, Biosecurity Expert, and Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University to get these important questions answered.
All caregivers and internal team members have received communication regarding:
Symptoms
Safety protocols
Travel reporting requirements
Proper handwashing techniques
Respiratory etiquette
Warning signs of illness
Infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands
Clients or family members should make sure to report the following to their Client Care Manager if they:
Have traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list
Are infected or being treated for possible infection of COVID-19
Are mobility limited and need support in obtaining medical supplies or basic necessities (water, gloves, etc.)
Home Care Assistance Helps Protect Clients
We will not place any caregiver with a client for a minimum of 14 days or until cleared by a medical provider if the caregiver has:
Been exposed to a facility where COVID- 19 is being treated
Traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list in the past two months
Started showing symptoms of the illness
We will not place any caregiver who has symptoms of illness on assignment or accept new clients who demonstrate symptoms that are highly consistent with the COVID-19 diagnosis or who have traveled to Level 1-3 areas in the most recent 14 days.
What we know about the virus:
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 spreads 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.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably (going from person to person without stopping) between people. 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 Your Hands Often
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Practice Social Distancing
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home as much as possible
Put distance between yourself and other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places
Cover Your Mouth and Nose when Around Others
You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up necessities
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
The cloth face cover is meant to protect others in case you are infected
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow
Throw used tissues in the trash
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Clean And Disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection
Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
Other Measures to Take During the Pandemic
Routinely clean and disinfect objects and surfaces since the virus is very susceptible to common antibacterial cleaners such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and anything 60%+ alcohol-based
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:
Stay at home except to get medical care
Separate yourself from other people
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available. If you need to be around other people or animals in the house, wear a cloth face covering
Monitor your symptoms
When to seek medical attention
If you have trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
The symptoms of the virus:
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms.
Most vulnerable groups:
People aged 65 and older
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People who are immunocompromised (Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications)
People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
People with diabetes
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
People with liver disease
Call us at (650) 563-6898 now to be instantly directed to a Client Care Manager near you or fill out the form below.
Your local team of Client Care Managers are available to answer your questions and work with you to design a customized plan of care that is right for you.
Are You Ready To Get Started?
Home Care Assistance can help you or a loved one today. Contact us now for your complimentary in-home assessment.
