As an agency committed to the health and well being of our clients, we have been closely monitoring the developments of Covid-19 and keeping up to date on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As the situation continues to evolve, local and national health experts are continuing to adapt to give the best possible advice they can. These uncertain times can be terrifying for those that are most vulnerable. As professionals specializing in senior care, we go the extra mile in offering health care support and stability for all those we serve.
For a pandemic with no clear end date, this is no small measure. We have no idea how long this will go on and the only real recourse for older people is to stay home as much as possible. All indicators point to the fact that older people with underlying conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are most at risk of getting the sickest. So as this virus spreads, it makes sense to hire help allowing you to limit your exposure.
All of our caregivers are required to be educated, and trained in the precautions to take to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. That means they can recognize the signs and symptoms of Covid-19 for themselves and their clients. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, they have worn masks at all times, and they work with those they serve to educate them on how to protect themselves. Some of them are also being tested every two week as part of certain community requirements.
Care at Home vs. Living Facilities
The home has generally been much safer than some retired living facilities and nursing homes during these times. According to this Economist article and other reports, across the rich world, nearly half of all deaths from Covid-19 have happened in care and nursing homes, even though less than 1% of people live in them. Many seniors are moving back home to better protect themselves and their loved ones from the pandemic and get the individualized care they need during these unprecedented times. With our highly personalized care, we are the ones who have made this facility-to-home transition easier when other family members are busy trying to get the rent covered or with child care and other responsibilities. We are here to help. Our professionals follow common guidelines such as:
- All staff are instructed to stay home if they show any signs of any illness
- All staff follows CDC instructions on vigorous hand washing with soap and water
- All staff wear masks at all times when working with their clients
- Our staff are instructed to limit their exposure when out in public
- Our staff are also instructed to take all other precautions recommended by CDC
Preventative Guidelines
It is vital to keep yourself healthy during these perilous times. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, scrubbing under nails. When that is not possible, use sanitizing gels with a 70% alcohol level or higher.
- Wipe down all groceries or packages as they come in. Wash with soap and water when possible; or as an alternative use sanitary wipes.
- When sneezing it is best to sneeze into a tissue and then throw that tissue away, to avoid virus particles going into the air and wash your hands afterwards.
- Never go into crowds and avoid all indoor events or gatherings.
- Wear a mask at all times you are around other people.
- Practice not touching your face. The virus enters through the nose, mouth or eyes.
- Routinely disinfect doorknobs, telephones, TV remotes, faucet handles, restroom surfaces, keyboards or anything else you touch regularly.
- Use gloves or a tissue when touching public door knobs, elevator buttons or other surfaces.
- Do not under any circumstance go near a sick person.
- Eat well, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water to keep your immune system healthy and strong.
Please give us a call if you would like to discuss your situation in more detail. Our care experts are here to help.