One of the most commonly asked questions and greatest concerns for those who require in-home care services is whether or not their care should continue during the current pandemic. According to many experts, including those at AARP and other sites, the answer is yes.
While it is entirely true that many experts advise physical distancing or social distancing, it is challenging when providing the close contact that so many in-home care services ensure, but it is still possible. As one expert so deftly explained – the reason that in-home care services are used in someone’s home is that they are necessary because that individual needs care. Those needs have not evaporated because a pandemic has occurred, and ignoring their needs may end up making the situation even riskier by forcing the individual to seek medical or emergency care, further increasing their risks for infection.
Work with Trained Experts
The best way to maintain essential in-home care services throughout this difficult time is to understand what kinds of safety precautions are needed. This is true whether it is an in-home care service provider, a hospice worker, aides, therapists, or a physician or nurse. Everyone should be trained in the best ways to reduce the risks of transmission.
Most should also be aware of the importance of self-monitoring. This means that any of the staff of the in-home care service firm should:
- Take their temperature and evaluate their wellness every day
- Report information to their supervisors, daily
- Understand any warning signs or symptoms of infection
- Knowing whether or not they are at risk of having been exposed
Staff will also know to wear gloves, goggles, and a mask whenever it is needed and may upgrade to an N95 mask if necessary. While a physician or other medical provider may be able to provide telecare and/or phone and video calls, the in-home care service providers cannot. They will, instead, have to become extraordinarily careful around their patients.
Another reason to ensure that visits continue is that the mental health of an individual is better monitored with daily and frequent visits. The level of isolation and upset that has been caused by the pandemic is particularly hard on those at home who are unable to handle a lot of their daily needs.
In-home care services are truly front line workers and responsible for the physical and mental well-being of some of the most vulnerable in the population. Knowing all of the safety precautions, as well as the importance of such care is necessary to ensure the ultimate health and well-being of those who count on them. At R&A Home Care, a client-focused approach is used to ensure the highest quality of life, even during the most challenging times.
