EasyLiving can provide supportive care in the home for COVID-19 positive patients. We have done extensive staff training, continually updated protocols, and ensured a supply of PPE (personal protective equipment) to be prepared to care for patients experiencing symptoms or diagnosed with COVID-19. So today, we will share more about what we are doing to keep everyone safe and the support and services we can provide.
Safety is Priority #1
Our top priority is the safety and health of our caregivers, staff and clients. This starts with our educational program. We provide training for our staff and caregivers: understanding all about the coronavirus, symptoms, protocols, and working with patients. Our company has secured proper PPE for all staff providing patient care.
Additionally, we continue following our strict protocols for identifying and isolating exposure. Each caregiver must answer a screening questionnaire before logging into a shift (every 24 hours). We have focused heavily on recruiting throughout the crisis, in order to have sufficient staff to meet our clients’ needs and cover for caregivers who are sick, showing symptoms, or who have been exposed. We also want to be able to accommodate our caregivers who may need more flexible schedules with caring for kids at home or other family issues.
Our services are designed to help reduce the potential spread of the virus by keeping patients safe at home. We minimize the number of people they come into contact with and design care for maximum safety.
Special COVID-19 Care and Monitoring at Home
Assistance with symptom treatment:
- Help (and encourage) the client to get rest.
- Encourage fluid intake to stay hydrated.
- Ensure the client is following their doctor’s recommendations for over-the-counter and prescription medications and treatment.
Monitor vital signs and symptom changes. Watch for emergency warning signs to seek immediate treatment, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Supportive Home Care Services
Along with the specialized services above when someone is sick with COVID-19, much of the focus is helping the patient to be able to rest and get well. This means we are there to support them with all the services they may need at any time, but especially when fighting off this virus. Many patients experience exhaustion and weakness as primary symptoms of COVID-19 and thus need help with tasks such as:
Bathing
We assist the individual with hygiene, providing a bed bath and other dignified personal hygiene services.
Dressing
We help the client dress in something comfortable and put on a fresh change of clothing. Our caregivers will be sure laundry is done safely, including changing sheets.
Disinfecting the house
We make sure the environment is clean and disinfect high-touch areas.
Housekeeping
Our caregivers keep up with the day-to-day tasks of the household that you cannot when ill. This may include light housekeeping, laundry, ironing, stocking supplies, and running errands or setting up and receiving deliveries.
Meal preparation and feeding
We ensure the client has proper nutrition, food and beverages available that they can tolerate and help them recuperate. The caregiver provides assistance with feeding the client as needed.
Companionship and social support
Beyond all the practical tasks and physical needs, being isolated can lead to loneliness and depression. Clients may feel a lot of anxiety and fear. So, we’re there to lend an empathetic ear and provide social interaction. We can provide distraction and activities also. We adjust this over time, as the client’s health allows. For example, as the client begins to feel better we can help them get up to stretch their legs and start to build back strength. Our caregiver might help the client sit outside in their yard every morning.
We also keep clients connected to family and friends, helping them with technology like video calls. Our caregivers get creative with ideas for keeping clients as engaged as possible and keeping a sense of routine and reassurance.
Communication to families and support system
No doubt, you also feel extreme anxiety about how your loved one is doing when they’re diagnosed with COVID-19. One of our roles is to be your “eyes and ears” while supporting your loved one. We will report in so you know how your loved one is doing, and keep you connected. When someone is quarantined at home with COVID-19, this system of coordination and communication is essential.
Need help?
Call us anytime at 727-447-5845 or 813-333-5020 or click here to send us a request online.