RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CRISIS
Leading in times of crisis
The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is changing every minute, and we are actively monitoring the latest developments to ensure we deliver exceptional service to our valued customers.
The safety of everyone in the AAHC Family – from our associates to our customers to our caregivers – is our top priority. We are currently focused on protecting the health of our employees and customers and providing the level of support and quality you deserve.
We are Open for Business as Usual
Sustaining sustainability through the pandemic
COVID -19
As mandatory restrictions are put into place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ask A Home Care is continuing to focus on providing high-quality care. Home-based care for sick, injured, disabled persons, seniors, adults, and children are considered essential services during this time of crisis, and we are still here for you and your home care needs.
Concerns for those in need of caregiving services are completely understandable so rest assured that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and best practices are being followed so care can continue. Remaining in the home is being recommended for people everywhere to slow the spread of the disease. Professional caregivers have always been trained to take measures to minimize the spread of illnesses and promote safe caregiving. This practice continues and is more important than ever.
As part of CDC recommendations, the following protocols–in addition to existing infection control policies and procedures already in place—are being implemented:
Caregiver Wellness Checks
The standard process for Ask A Home Care is as follows: Through different communication routes, (mobile app, text messaging, email) a caregiver is asked:
Are you sick, do you have a fever or cough, have you had close contact with an individual(s) diagnosed or under quarantine for COVID-19?
If a caregiver answers “yes” to any of these questions, they are to contact the office immediately and are instructed to contact their physician or local health department for evaluation.
Caregivers are also instructed to stay at home when sick and must report this to the office when they are feeling ill. Although this is standard policy on illness, it is even more important to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Caregivers will be asked if they have a “return to work order” before being assigned back to shifts with clients.
Client Wellness Checks
Quality Assurance (QA) visits are an important part of the care we provide. During this time, QA visits normally scheduled for in person will take on a different look per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommendations. These will be conducted more frequently through the use of technology to support “social distancing” and protecting those receiving care.
Ask A Home Care is checking in virtually and/or by phone calls, on a regular basis, with all clients to ensure they are feeling well and to see if there is anything needed before the next scheduled visit.
Clients who are not feeling well or are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 will be instructed to contact their healthcare provider or local health department immediately. We will also work together to identify how continued care needs will be met.
Enhanced Hygiene
Keeping areas in the home clean and safe has always been a priority for Ask A Home Care. Additional hygiene protocols for all clients’ homes include:
- Ensuring all hygiene standards are fully met as per CDC guidelines.
- Cleaning and wiping down surfaces big and small from countertops and tables to light switches and doorknobs
- Frequent and consistent handwashing while in the home, before coming to the home and after leaving the home
- Continued virtual training on infection control and prevention and housekeeping to all caregivers