Home Care Assistance of Greater Burlington is dedicated to the senior population, and we have taken proactive measures during this difficult time to support our clients and families in Burlington and the surrounding communities. We recommend that families take the following into account when considering ways to provide care to aging loved ones to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) & HCA
When looking at care solutions, consider home care as a viable option due to its ability to keep seniors safe in their own home by promoting social distancing.
Caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people.
Home Care Assistance of Greater Burlington Helps Protect Clients
All of our caregivers and internal team members have received communication regarding:
- Symptoms
- Safety protocols
- Travel reporting requirements
- Proper handwashing techniques
- Respiratory etiquette
- Warning signs of illness
- Infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands
Clients or family members should make sure to report the following to their Client Care Manager if they:
- Have traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list
- Are infected or being treated for possible infection of COVID-19
- Are mobility limited and need support in obtaining medical supplies or basic necessities (water, gloves, etc.)
We will not place any caregiver with a client for a minimum or 14 days or until cleared by a medical provider if the caregiver has:
- Been exposed to a facility where COVID- 19 is being treated
- Traveled to a location on the CDC advisory list in the past two months
- Started showing symptoms of the illness
We will not place any caregiver who has symptoms of illness on assignment or accept new clients who demonstrate symptoms that are highly consistent with the COVID-19 diagnosis or who have traveled to Level 1-3 areas in the most recent 14 days.
What we know about the virus:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How the virus spreads:
According to the CDC, the virus is now spreading from person to person mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
A person can be infectious before showing symptoms, which is why it is important to practice proper social distancing measures. To reduce the risk of infection, older adults should avoid leaving their homes unless it’s critically necessary.
Your Role in Keeping Your Family and Yourself Safe
The CDC recommends taking precautions to prevent the spread of diseases:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Routinely clean and disinfect objects and surfaces since the virus is very susceptible to common anti-bacterial cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and anything alcohol-based
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw it away
- Refill critical prescription medications
- Reschedule routine medical appointments
- Utilize telemedicine or other virtual tools to if you need to connect with your physician
- Seek out information from reliable sources
- Stay positive and reassure those around you
- Find emotional support by communicating with friends or family via the phone or internet
If you are sick or at risk:
- Use a face mask a to avoid spreading to others
- Stay at home and avoid other people
The symptoms of the virus:
- Common symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing
Most vulnerable groups:
- Older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems or certain preexisting conditions
- Those who have traveled to areas most affected by the virus
- Individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals
Call us at [hca_phone] now to be instantly directed to a Client Care Manager near you or fill out the form below.
Your local Burlington, VT team is available to answer your questions and work with you to design a customized plan of care that is right for you.