It is a scary time for Floridians, and all Americans, as COVID-19 continues to spread across our country like wildfire. The United States is reporting more cases than any other country in the world, and there are currently 151 countries impacted by this invisible enemy, coronavirus.
At Home Helpers® Clearwater, we are like millions of Americans closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus, and as caregivers, we are taking all precautions suggested by the CDC; following updates from the CDC and the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA); and we are continuing our mission to keep our caregivers’ and clients’ health our first priority.
It is believed that COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is currently spreading from person to person. The coronavirus is thought to spread 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.
It is also possible that a person can 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. The virus can live on plastic, stainless steel and other surfaces for up to 3 days, and cardboard for as long as 24 hours. According to the CDC, however, person-to-person transmission is still the primary way the infection is spreading.
Seniors are the most vulnerable population to contract coronavirus, but more and more young people are coming down with the virus, as well. Patients with COVID-19 present with mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, a persistent, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Other subtle symptoms may include the loss of taste and smell, also.
The CDC recommends that if you think you may have been exposed to COVID‑19, and you develop any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Refrain from visiting doctor offices, hospitals and emergency rooms until advised to do so.
Seniors can reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 and stop the spread by:
- Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick
- Covering your sneeze or cough with a tissue and promptly throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If there are no tissues available, use the crook of your arm to cover your nose and mouth.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cleaning and disinfecting common areas and frequently-touched surfaces like door, cabinet and fridge handles, remote controls, light switches, countertops, etc.
- Staying home when you’re sick, unless you require medical care. Always call your Doctor first before going to their office or the emergency room, as most healthcare providers are inundated with patients of coronavirus.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
I realize seniors are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety as the coronavirus statistics escalate daily. It is possible for seniors to have greater peace of mind by enlisting safe, dependable in-home care and companionship with Home Helpers®.
Why Choose Home Helpers®?
Coronavirus Training. Our staff and caregivers have undergone specific, high-level training outlined by the CDC to keep them and clients protected from exposure to the coronavirus.
Wellness Calls. Our staff and caregivers call our senior clients regularly to check on their well-being and make sure they know we are here for them.
Condition-Tracking Technology. Our team of caregivers is equipped with the latest condition-tracking technology to monitor symptoms and changes in our clients’ conditions in real time.
Light Housekeeping. It is crucial that all common areas and frequently-touched surfaces receive extra cleaning and disinfecting. Our caregivers perform light housekeeping duties to ensure cleanliness.
Regular Communication. Along with wellness calls with our clients, we maintain regular communication between our caregivers and family members so everyone stays informed of their loved one’s current status.
Personalized Care Plans. Everyone is different, and their needs vary. That’s why during a free consultation, I assess specific needs to develop an appropriate care plan for each individual. Then, I match the best caregiver for each client and situation.
24/7 Care Available. There are seniors with more challenging physical and mental conditions that may require a caregiver 24/7/365. Home Helpers® will find the perfect team of caregivers to work 8- or 12-hour shifts consistently for the safety and well-being of the client.
Diet-Specific Meal Services. Dietary concerns can be especially challenging for seniors who typically require better nutrition. Sugar-free, lower sodium, lactose-free, gluten-free, you name it, there are dietary requirements that can make it difficult for seniors to manage.
Home Helpers® will remain open and ready to care for our most vulnerable population, and I will personally find the most highly-qualified caregivers who are best-suited to stay in their homes. I believe that it is safer to have ONE caregiver visit and provide services in homes, than to increase exposure in a community/facility/hospital/rehab with hundreds of residents.
I will continue to monitor this quickly changing situation and provide updates via our Facebook page. Learn what is known about the spread of the coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/.
I exercise caution when selecting professional caregivers to join my team at Home Helpers® Clearwater, because we strive to provide quality in-home care and assistance for seniors, including companion care, light housework, meal preparation and more. I offer a FREE Consultation to assess a senior’s needs, in order to match the perfect caregiver to help during this challenging time. I appreciate the trust you place in Home Helpers®, and my team and I look forward to helping anyone who needs our assistance.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠