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COVID-19 Policy

COVID-19 Protocols

While the safety of our Clients, Caregivers and their loved ones has always been the priority of our Family at Family Care Services, Inc., it has been made even more so, during these difficult times. Family Care Services, Inc. practices safety measures issued by the CDC, OSHA, and State and Local Health Departments to ensure the health and well-being of our Clients and Caregivers. In addition to temperature checks, providing our staff with appropriate personal protective equipment, instruction on frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing when applicable, and the proper sanitization of all work environments (specifically our Client’s homes), all Caregivers have received additional training on Infection Control Measures, specific to COVID-19 and will continue to receive on-going training regarding all Infection Control Protocols and COVID-19.

While the safety of our Clients, Caregivers and their loved ones has always been the priority of our Family at Family Care Services, Inc., it has been made even more so, during these difficult times. Family Care Services, Inc. practices safety measures issued by the CDC, OSHA, and State and Local Health Departments to ensure the health and well-being of our Clients and Caregivers. In addition to temperature checks, providing our staff with appropriate personal protective equipment, instruction on frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing when applicable, and the proper sanitization of all work environments (specifically our Client’s homes), all Caregivers have received additional training on Infection Control Measures, specific to COVID-19 and will continue to receive on-going training regarding all Infection Control Protocols and COVID-19 .

 

  • All Caregivers are pre-screened, exceeding all CDC guidelines.
  • Caregivers and Clients are provided with a COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire and all Caregivers are required to screen themselves daily, monitor all Clients and notify the Office immediately of any changes in health/status or concerns.
  • All Policies, Procedures and COVID-19 specific Protocols are updated on an ongoing basis to ensure continued compliance with CDC Guidelines.
  • Caregivers are supplied with all necessary and appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to ensure both the Caregiver and Client’s safety.
  • Since the onset of the Pandemic, in order to maximize the safety of both our Clients and Caregivers, we have been limiting the number of Caregivers assigned to each Client. While still offering both Hourly and Live-In Care, we have adjusted our care “structure/schedule” protocols to limit the number of people both Clients and Caregivers are exposed to, ensuring the Family maintains control of the schedule in conjunction with Family Care Services.
More About Our COVID – 19 Protocols

As mandatory restrictions have been put into place throughout the pandemic to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Family Care Services, Inc. is continuing to focus on providing the highest-quality care to our families. Home-based care is considered an essential service during this time of crisis, and rest assured, we are still here for you and your home care needs.

It is understandable that there are concerns regarding those in need of Caregiving services, so please understand that the guidelines and best practices put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are being followed so that care can continue. Remaining in the home is being recommended by medical professionals for people everywhere to slow the spread of the disease and while 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:

Client Wellness Checks

Quality Assurance (QA) Visits/Assessments are a vital part of the care we provide. During this time, QA Visits normally scheduled for In-Person may be conducted by phone when deemed necessary/appropriate, as per recommendations from the CDC, The New Jersey Board of Nursing and other regulatory entities. These QA Visits/Assessments will be conducted more frequently through the use of technology to support “social distancing” and to protect those receiving care.

  • Family Care Services is checking in by phone, on a regular basis, with all Clients to ensure they are feeling well and to see if there is anything needed before their next scheduled In-Person visit. Those Clients that are either not comfortable with an In-Person QA Visit/Assessment, or it has been deemed high-risk to have an In-Person QA Visit/Assessment performed, will have their regularly scheduled In-Person QA Visits/Assessments performed by phone.
  • 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. Family Care Services will also work together to identify how continued care needs will be met.
Enhanced Cleaning

Keeping areas in the home clean and safe has always been a priority for Family Care Services. Additional cleaning protocols for all Clients’ homes include:

  • Caregivers are educated on the need for frequent and consistent handwashing while in the home, before coming to the home and after leaving the home.
  • Continued virtual and in-person training on infection control and prevention and housekeeping is provided to all Caregivers.
  • Caregivers are educated on the need to clean and wipe down surfaces big and small from countertops and tables to light switches and doorknobs.
Minimizing Loneliness/Isolation Associated with Social Distancing

The effects of isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic have been felt by millions of people, especially those ages 65 and older, who are at an increased risk for feelings of loneliness, particularly at a time when visitors are restricted even in the home. With “stay at home orders”, and those that are high-risk or immunocompromised being encouraged to remain hone, loneliness, helplessness and even boredom and feelings and issues that Seniors are facing now more than ever.

Here is what Family Care Services and its Family of Caregivers can bring to their Clients:
  • Providing ideas to address the loneliness, helplessness and boredom that social distancing causes, by staying active in meaning and purposeful activities, such as philanthropy, spiritual or recreational activities.
  • Keeping our Clients engaged in activities of daily living, such as participating in cooking and ensuring the continuation with personal hygiene and grooming each day.
  • Emphasizing our Client-Centered Care approach by empowering our clients to participate in decisions about things like ordering food and medicine online for delivery to lessen risk of exposure.
  • Encouraging and facilitating connection with friends and family via virtual access and through in-person social distancing when able/appropriate.
For More Information

Family Members and Family Caregivers who are concerned about spreading possible germs to an elderly Family member or immunocompromised loved one can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website’s tips on keeping yourself and others safe.