You have undoubtedly heard a lot of information in the news about the Novel Coronavirus, called COVID-19. As a company we have and always will be committed to providing you or your family member the best care possible. We are also just as committed to the safety of our clients, their family, and our caregivers. We are in a rapidly changing environment, be assured we are actively monitoring the progress of the virus and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the Mesa County Health Department.
It is our belief that in most cases the home remains the safest place for you or your loved one. The indications have been the virus is spread more quickly in larger groups or public settings. Possible exposure will remain the lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited outside contact. We will remain diligent in providing the care needed that can keep people at home and limit their exposure through personalized care and support.
Because our primary population is elderly, we understand you may have concerns. For this reason, we want to share with you how our organization is responding to the threat of COVID-19.
As stated earlier we are following updates and procedures from the CDC, CDPHE, and local and county authorities.
We are and will continue to be vigilant about our need to help protect our staff and clients from illness COVID-19, the flu or any other communicable disease.
The following are some of the protocols and procedures we have in place.
- Our staff is trained in using universal precautions such as proper handwashing and the wearing of gloves.
- We have an established protocol that our caregivers stay home if they exhibit any of the symptoms associated with infectious disease to help ensure they do not infect any of our clients or their family members.
- Our staff follows the hygiene procedures directed by the CDC, including vigorous and frequent handwashing with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels (with 60% alcohol level or higher), use of disinfectant wipes to frequently wipe down surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, disposal of any items that may have virus or bacteria, and much more.
- If any of our staff or their clients should show signs of COVID-19, we will report, isolate and quarantine, as necessary, abiding by national and local guidelines.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under the nails. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as these are entry points for the virus.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Regularly clean and disinfect objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, telephones, TV remotes, doorknobs, faucet handles, steering wheels, counters, and tabletops.
- Eat well, drink lots of water and get rest to keep your immune system healthy.
- Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and backup support.
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
- Avoid crowds and, wherever possible, practice “social distancing” of remaining at a distance of six feet away from strangers, as recommended by the CDC.
- If you have underlying medical issues that put you in the high-risk category, avoid large public gatherings or other places outside the home. Limit your contact with others. Maintain a distance of 6’ from others where possible.
Contingency Planning for You or Your Loved One
- We will make every effort possible to provide our clients with safe and appropriate care and seek to avoid canceling shifts. However, we cannot guarantee this will not occur given the uncertainties about this situation.
- If possible, we recommend that our clients have alternative arrangements for the provision of care in the event we are unable to provide services. The severity of the spread of this illness and planned interventions is still uncertain at this time but a backup plan is a good best practice if possible.
As new information becomes available, we will share that with our staff and clients. You can learn more here: “How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19”.
Thank you,
Martin Boyce