One aspect of certified CNA training is to recognize changes in clients’ conditions. Caregivers are told to alert the company if their Clients experience any symptoms related to COVID-19 such as fever, new and worsening cough, sore throat, diarrhea, allergy symptoms, and/or shortness of breath. Caregivers will observe, take notes, and report the client’s condition, appearance, or behavior. However, they are unable to diagnose patients due to licensing restrictions.

The Care Coordinator will reach out to the client’s family, asking them to call their medical doctor to determine what they should do next. If family members recognize the signs of COVID-19 in their loved one, we encourage them to contact the Care Coordinator right away.

We care about the safety and health of our staff, caregivers, and clients. If a Caregiver is diagnosed with COVID-19 or learn they have been in contact with a person who has the virus, we ask them to self-isolate for two full weeks (14 days) and let the Care Coordinator know right away.

We have implemented a Caregivers’ support plan should they be diagnosed with the disease. Compensation is provided to our employees for 14 days with the right documentation.

We will make sure that your family member is taken care of by sending out another Caregiver when necessary.

According to the CDC, it’s imperative to practice “social distancing” to stem the tide of COVID-19. Therefore, we are asking families to reduce the number of times they visit their loved ones. We do encourage family members to reach out to their loved ones via phone or video chat. It’s important to stay in contact with your loved ones–just from afar.

The CDC is recommending people wear cloth face coverings where social distancing measures are unable to be maintained. Research shows cloth face coverings can slow COVID-19’s spread and help people who unknowingly have the virus from spreading it. We also advise our Caregivers to regularly wash their cloth face coverings.
Nest & Care complies with the health agency’s recommendations on face coverings, and we ask that clients and their families also do so.

Gloves are used in cases where bodily fluids are present. The day-to-day wearing of gloves is not useful in prevention since people frequently touch their hands, mouth, eyes, and face.

It never hurts to have regular household disinfectant cleaners and wipers in the home – something with bleach or alcohol. Constant handwashing and frequently-touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly. Check out the CDC guide on handwashing –

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html.

We will update you either by phone or email to let you know what is going on with your loved one. Though we have limited the visits of our Care Coordinators to Senior Living Communities and homes to only essential staff, we have increased the number of check-ins with the clients, families, and Caregivers to help when necessary.

Since the CDC is requesting people to practice social distancing, your loved one should stay within the home as much as possible. If they need to go to the doctor, they will be taken there. Many doctor’s offices have put into place changes in how they see patients. Therefore, Caregivers will need to call the doctor’s office before transporting the Client there. Any other trips are not advised.

Caregivers with our company are deemed “Essential” and have a letter that verifies them of their status.

If Caregivers are asked about the coronavirus or feel the need to talk to their Clients about the virus, there are several recommendations worth following:
Assure your Client that all the necessary precautions are taking place – regular handwashing and sanitizing, cleaning and disinfectant objects and surfaces frequently touched, etc.
Advise them to also follow these measures and to avoid touching their face without washing or sanitizing their hands first, as well as coughing or sneezing into a tissue and throwing it immediately away.
Be a source of calmness for Clients, and talk with them about you following the recommended CDC guidelines.

It’s imperative that Caregivers are keenly aware of their Client’s health. If you notice them continually coughing, have a fever or sore throat, or are short of breath, they need to make their Care Coordinator aware of it right away. The team will work hard to get the Client the help necessary.

We care about our Clients, Staff and Caregivers’ health and safety; therefore, if you become sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, you are asked to self-quarantine for two full weeks (14 days). We will work with you so that you can still receive compensation during that time with proper documentation. Let us know immediately to get your Clients the help they need.

The CDC is recommending people to observe social distancing measures in order to reduce the spread of the disease. Therefore, families are being asked to limit their in-person contacts with their loved ones and reach out to them via video conferencing or phone calls.

According to the CDC, cloth face coverings are necessary when it’s not possible to social distance from others. Even simple cloth face coverings can slow the virus’ spread and keep those who have it unknowingly passing it to others. These coverings should be washed in a washer after every use. To make your own face coverings, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

We advise our Caregivers and Clients to use face masks as advised by the CDC. 

It would be wise to have disinfectant cleaners and wipes (something with alcohol or bleach) to regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. It’s recommended that people wash their hands often.

It is important to wash your hands before preparing food. Make sure all food-preparing utensils are thoroughly cleaned and is done often. There is no evidence, at this time, that COVID-19 is transmittable through food. That does not mean, however, that it is not impossible.

As advised by the CDC, try to social distance yourself from others and use a face mask. Only go shopping when it’s absolutely necessary and use a list for the items you need to get in and get out. If you can, use a grocery delivery service like InstaCart or Peapod. Some pharmacies do offer medication delivery services.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated there is no evidence that food and food packages are harboring traces of the COVID-19 virus. However, it is advised to wash your hands after loading and unloading groceries.

Senior Living Communities’ staff and residents are at high risk for catching COVID-19, similar to the general public. Therefore, steps are being enacted to protect individuals from the virus. Such things being introduced include taking temperatures of visitors and screening them for potential symptoms of the virus and other illnesses.

Since the disease is particularly dangerous for seniors, these communities are going above and beyond to protect them.

Gloves need to be worn any time Caregivers will be in contact with bodily fluids. Surgical masks and gowns are not necessary and have not been shown for their effectiveness against the respiratory illness. 

We are constantly in contact with Clients about their health so that Care Coordinators will inform Caregivers of potential issues.

The Georgia Health Exchange has a special open enrollment until June 15 for Caregivers. Check out marylandhealthconnection.gov to learn more.

This is a difficult time for everybody, but the commitment to caring for older people remains the same. We will provide our Caregivers with as many work opportunities as possible while also coming up with new ways to assist seniors through this trying time. This will offer more work opportunities for Caregivers.