At-home care is a sensitive part of health care practices wherein safety and companionship are instrumental to meet regular and end-of-life care needs of ailing seniors.
Hotels and airline companies may be the first casualty of the economic global pandemic crisis but they are not alone. One by one business is closing down while some are barely surviving. People ages 65 and older have weak immune systems and are in danger of contracting the virus.
How does home care agencies in Seattle take care of their seniors?
Internal communications are in place to ensure the safety of the caregivers and clients by reporting safety protocols, travel reporting document requirements, possible symptoms and warning signs of illness. Family members and clients are required to report to their respective home health care agencies in Seattle if they have traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list, or being treated for possible COVID-19 infection.
Here is what we know about the virus:
COVID-19 or coronavirus disease 2019 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person who is in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets. These droplets are produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs and can be spread within a distance of 6 feet. TheCOVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
The virus lingers in the air and on surfaces for a certain time and dies if it couldn’t find a host. A person can also get COVID-19 by touching an object or surface that has the virus, then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth afterward.
Wearing a face mask, proper handwashing, and practicing social distance measures are needed to reduce the risk of infection. Seniors should avoid leaving their homes as they are the most vulnerable.
How did A Helping Hand observe safety measures?
Wash Your Hands Often
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sing to the tune of the Happy Birthday song. Especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, specifically your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed or unsanitized hands.
Practice Social Distancing
Some people are asymptomatic and it is hard to tell if one has caught the virus. Another way is to avoid crowded places and avoid close contact with sick people. Put distance about 6 feet between you and other people.
Wear Face Mask
Everyone should wear a face mask or a cloth face cover in public. The face mask or cloth cover is meant to protect others in case you are infected. We cannot avoid getting close to other people in less than 6 feet like going to the grocery store to pick up necessities.
Clean And Disinfect
When at home, always clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day. This includes doorknobs, tables, doorknobs, countertops, light switches, handles, phones, desks, keyboards, faucets, toilets, and sinks. Use soap and water before disinfecting surfaces. The most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
As much as possible, everyone should stay at home, especially the elderly. If you are sick, isolate yourself from other people.
A Helping Hand observes these practices to protect their clients, their family members, and as well as their caregivers. For more information, you may visit their website https://www.ahelpinghandnw.com/ and get in touch with the nearest offices in your area.
