COVID-19

Navigating the Pandemic

Days Ahead In-Home Care is actively monitoring the progression of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, to ensure that we have the most accurate and latest information on the threat of the virus. As you know, this situation continues to develop rapidly as new cases are identified in our communities and our protocols will be adjusted as needed. We are following updates and procedures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) State Department of Health, local and county authorities, the Home Care Association of America and other agencies and resources. Our response and plans may adjust according to the recommendations from
these organizations.

Our Safety Protocols 

• As a standard practice, we have an emergency preparedness plan in place. We will continue
  to follow it as this situation evolves or update it accordingly.
• All caregivers follow established protocol regarding staying home when sick. This practice is
  not new to our staff.
• Communication with caregivers to assess any known risk factors, such as travel to areas with
  widespread outbreaks or local contact in areas known to have reported cases are ongoing.
  We will advise them not to report to work if they are deemed high-risk.
• We believe that home remains the safest place for you or your loved one, as indications show
  that the virus is spread more quickly in facilities and larger group or public settings. Possible
  exposure will remain the lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited
  outside contact. For this reason, we feel fortunate to be able to provide care that can keep
  people at home or limited exposure in group settings through personalized care and support.
• For clients we serve who reside in facilities or other group-type living situations, we will work
  closely with the facility on any protocols, exchange of information, or other guidelines as
  necessary.
• Many of our clients are especially at risk, given they are older adults or have underlying health
  issues. We are vigilant about our need to help protect these individuals from illness be it the
  flu, COVID-19, or any other communicable disease. These measures are not new to us as we
  seek to minimize risk regularly for our clients, regardless of an outbreak or pandemic.
• We have begun testing our staff for COVID-19. Testing will be done as recommended by the
  health department if any of our staff has traveled to a hotspot, if someone begins to show
  symptoms of COVID-19, or if one has been notified of exposure. Any employee who has been
  exposed or develops a respiratory and/or flu like symptoms such as a fever, sore throat,
  cough, loss of taste or smell, will be required to notify the agency and will be pulled from a shift
  until results come back as negative and symptoms subside.

Contingency Planning for You or Your Loved

• Due to the severity of the spread of illness in communities and the response taken by national
  and state authorities (ex. mandatory isolation, closure of schools, etc.), our staffing levels may
  be affected. As a result, we may be unable to cover all shifts.
• We will make every effort possible to provide our clients with safe and appropriate care and
  seek to avoid canceling shifts, however, we cannot guarantee this will not occur given the
  uncertainties about this situation.
• At all times, regardless of a viral outbreak or other situation, we strongly recommend that our
  clients have alternative arrangements for the provisions of care in the event we are unable to
  provide services. We encourage you to begin considering and putting into place back-up plans
  now, as the severity of the spread of this illness and planned interventions is still uncertain.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based
  hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in
  the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Eat well, drink lots of water and get rest to strengthen your immune system.
• Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and back up support,
  if possible.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
• If you have underlying medical issues that put you in the high-risk category, avoid large public
  gatherings or other places outside the home. Limit your contact with others.

If you have questions or would like to speak about any accommodations for your loved one, please contact us to explore your options.