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Emilys Concierge Caregiving

Specializing in Exclusive in-home care with a hands-on approach.

COVID-19

Protecting Seniors from Coronavirus

Emily’s Concierge Caregiving is dedicated to the senior population and keeping informed about taking proactive measures during this challenging time to support our clients and families.  Families must take the following into account when considering ways to provide care to aging loved ones to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Emily’s Concierge Caregiving Helps Protect Clients

Caregivers receive ongoing updates on the following:

  • Symptoms
  • Safety Protocols
  • Travel Reporting Requirements
  • Proper Handwashing Techniques
  • Respiratory Etiquette
  • Warning Signs of Illness
  • Infection Control Protocols, including effective Cleaning and Disinfecting of Surfaces and Hands

Clients and Families need to report the following to their Caregiver:

  • Traveled to a location on the CDC Advisory List
  • Are infected or being treated for possible infection of COVID-19
  • Are mobility limited and need support in obtaining medical supplies or necessities (water, gloves, etc.)

Emily’s Concierge Caregiving Protects Clients:

Emily’s Concierge Caregiving is committed to not placing any caregiver with a client for a minimum of 14 days or are cleared by a medical provider if the Caregiver has:

  • Been exposed to a facility where COVID-19 is being treated
  • Traveled to a location on CDC advisory list in the past two months
  • Started showing symptoms of the illness

Emily’s Concierge Caregiving will not place any caregiver who has symptoms of illness on assignment or accept clients who demonstrate highly consistent symptoms with the COVID-19 diagnosis or who have traveled to Level 1-3 areas in the 14 days.

Virus Information:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.  The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

How the Virus Spreads:

The CDC states that the virus spreads from person to person mainly between people in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  A person can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching their mouths, nose, or possibly their eyes.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading quickly and sustainably (going from person to person without stopping) between people.  A person can be infectious before showing symptoms, so it is vital to practice proper social distancing measures.  To reduce the risk of infection, older adults should avoid leaving their homes unless critically necessary.

Keeping Client, Family, and Caregiver Safe

The CDC recommends taking precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Wash Your Hands Often

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Practice Social Distancing

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home as much as possible
  • Put distance between yourself and other people
  • Do not gather in groups
  • Stay out of crowded places

Cover Your Mouth and Nose when Around Others

  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up necessities
  • Coth face coverings should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect others in case you are infected
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.  The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

  • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of our elbow
  • Throw used tissues in the trash
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Clean and Disinfect

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.  This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them.  Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection
  • Use a household disinfectant.  The most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Additional Measures during Pandemic

  • Routinely clean and disinfect objects and surfaces since the virus is very susceptible to common antibacterial cleaners such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and anything 60% alcohol-based
  • Refill critical prescription medications
  • Reschedule routine medical appointments
  • Utilize telemedicine or other virtual tools if you need to connect with your physician
  • Stay positive and reassure those around you
  • Find emotional support by communicating with friends or family via the phone or internet

If you are Sick or at Risk

  • Stay at home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people
  • As much as possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available.  If you need to be around other people or animals in the house, wear a cloth face covering
  • Monitor your symptoms.

When to seek Medical Attention*

  • If you have trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive.  Please consult your medical provider for other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Virus Symptoms

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever or Chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Vulnerable Groups

  • People aged 65 and older
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have a severe heart condition
  • People who are immunocompromised (Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised), including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • People with severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease