At First In Care, we understand that home care is an essential service.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on so many aspects of our lives. However, seniors and many others continue to need our care, support, and companionship now, more than ever. We understand that home is the best and safest place for social distancing and infection prevention. That is why we’ve adjusted our practices and procedures to continue providing safe and reliable home care services during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Our agency has a wellness/symptoms protocol check that must be done by the caregiver before starting each shift. It involves a temperature check, wellness questionnaire, and possible contamination/exposure questionnaire. The staff member cannot clock in for their shift until they pass this Health Check and it is confirmed by the First In Care (FIC) office.
Yes, our staff are always supplied with gloves and masks. When they are administering ‘direct care’ they are required to wear both. If they are not providing ‘direct care’ to a client, they do not have to wear the mask but will do so at the client’s request. They are supplied with a gown, cap, mask, shield, and shoe coverings if a client has been exposed to COVID-19. We also supply all of our staff with hand sanitizer and disinfectant sprays for their shoes and uniforms upon leaving a client’s home and entering a client’s home. Additionally, we have continued CDC instructed updates on safety measures to prevent the spread of contagion.
We recommend that they go for a COVID-19 test immediately. All caregivers are pulled off of the client’s schedule until it is confirmed to be a negative reading.
No, we are not able to care for positive COVID-19 patients due to having so many clients on our register that we cannot risk exposing them due to the spread of contagion from one client to another.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept new clients who are positive COVID-19.
Yes, currently we have contact information for both outside vaccinations and homebound vaccinations to set up appointments. Additionally, our agency is able to transport clients to get their vaccinations.
First In Care COVID-19 Articles and Updates
Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines
What is First In Care doing to keep our caregivers and clients safe during this pandemic? What is our stance on COVID-19 vaccines? Find out.
Safely Include Seniors in Holidays
Since COVID-19 is more dangerous for the elderly, you’ll need to find safe, creative ways for your aging loved ones to join in the Holiday festivities. Here are a few “distance celebrating” ideas that you may want to consider that can help to safely include seniors.
Thanking Health Care Professionals on the COVID-19 Front Lines
We’ve all seen pictures of exhausted, PPE-attired health care workers finishing up their shifts while serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. You might even be a health care professional or live with one. During the COVID-19 outbreak these heroes oftentimes battle stress, fatigue and depression while doing their jobs. In addition to keeping us safe, those brave men and women have families of their own that love and rely upon them. Here are 4 great ways to show health care professionals everywhere just how much they’re appreciated.
COVID-19 Symptoms in Seniors and What You Should Do
In younger people COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, seniors - the age group that’s at highest risk from complications or even death - may not show any of these signs. If you suspect that your senior has COVID-19, here’s what to look for and how to help them if necessary.
How to Reduce Stress in Yourself and Others
Most family caregivers are amazing people that devote their lives to caring for aging in place elderly loved ones. But caregiving can also be very stressful and exhausting, especially when you throw in a traumatic event like the COVID-19 outbreak.
Cleaning Tips Before and After Caregiver Visits
If your elderly loved one is receiving some professional home care right now, cleaning and sanitizing their home before and after caregiver visits is now more important than ever before. Using these cleaning and disinfecting tips will help keep everyone safer.
Weekly Update to Our Clients & Caregivers – April 15, 2020
We have decided to send out a weekly update to our clients and staff to give you updated information regarding First In Care measures to continue serving our clients in the safest and healthiest manner possible while ensuring the health and wellbeing of our staff.