As we are facing this unprecedented time of COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that we are following recommended guidelines by local health authorities and the CDC to continue to provide the essential services our consumers desire safely by following the latest CDC, Department of Health and Human Services, and other local authorities COVID-19 guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

In order to be compliant with those guidelines we have updated some protocols for nurses, caregivers and respite workers to continue to provide care safely. These changes will help identify and prevent potential exposure.

To identify potential exposures Caregivers and Nurses will ask the following questions before attending any shift to screen their patients/consumers:

1. Is anyone in the home of care experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath

2. Has anyone in the home been out of the country within the last 14-18 days?

3. Has anyone in the home encountered anyone known to have COVID-19?

4. Has anyone in the home encountered anyone who has traveled overseas or to a high-risk area within the last 14-18 days?

5. Has anyone in the home been hospitalized within the last 14-18 days?

6. Has anyone in the home been in contact with anyone who was hospitalized within the last 14-18 days?

7. Notify the office, If the answer to any of the above is yes, or if you have any concerns that residents at the place of care are not following the guidelines by CDC and Department.

To provide care safely, Caregivers must screen themselves and certify daily that they do not have symptoms or have been potentially exposed and take the following precautions:

1. maintain hygiene: wash hands often, don’t touch face, or mouth, disinfect surrounding with bleach and water, or other disinfectants.

2. carry hand sanitizer at all times, to use when not convenient to wash hands.

3. wear mask outside home, when not with people you live with and during shifts.

4. observe residents at home of care during shift for potential exposure.

5. avoid unessential activities and crowds, and consolidate essential trips

6. use gloves especially outside your home when handling cash, pumping gas, or handling other public devices.

7. take clothes off immediately upon returning home at a designated area and wash it.