Home Health Workers are Keeping Seniors Safe
*Originally posted on www.route65.ca
Home health providers play an important role in the lives of B.C. seniors. Whether they are helping an older adult recover after a surgery, stepping in to give a family caregiver a break, or assisting with things like meal preparation and personal care, home health workers can make all the difference for seniors looking to age in place.
Over the last year, home health organizations have been responding to COVID-19 by adapting their businesses to make sure that their clients continue to receive care in a way that is safe, timely and person centered. As COVID-19 drags on, home care and home support providers continue to change their approach to ensure the wellbeing of their clients.
“We have incorporated several COVID-specific protocols on top of our standard infection prevention and control protocols such as regular hand washing,” says Margot Ware, a Registered Nurse and owner of Shylo Home Healthcare.
“For example, our caregivers have all been provided with face masks for their protection, and the protection of our clients. They also wear a clean uniform to each shift and change out of their street shoes into duty shoes each time they enter a client’s home.”
Ware also explains that staff are instructed to stay home if they experience any cold or flu-like symptoms and that both staff and clients must participate in a screening process before care is provided.
“Tracking symptoms through our App helps keep our staff, clients and community safe,” explains Ware.
Like other organizations across the province, Shylo Home Health Care is continuing to work hard to keep their staff and clients protected.
“We are very relieved that our staff are now receiving vaccinations,” notes Ware.
If you are a home health client there are also some things that you can do to keep workers safe.
Here are a few tips from SafeCare BC:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as new or worsening shortness of breath, cough or fever, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, or muscle aches, or someone in your household is sick, contact your home support worker in advance of their visit, so they are prepared.
- If someone in your household is sick, have them stay in a separate room away from where care is being provided by your support worker. If that is not possible, have the member of your household wear a mask for the duration of the visit and have them wash their hands.
For more information about home health care organizations in your area click here. To learn about other options visit Route 65’s Your Options page.