We have discussed before the cons and pros of Homecare services versus Facility care services (see our previous blogs from 2018 and 2019), stating that an effective Homecare service arrangement could be more appealing both financially and emotionally. But with the new coronavirus rapid outbreak causing a very concerning pandemic, and with the State of California being one of the most affected areas, there is now another more important factor in making decision on how and where to care for your loved ones: COVID-19 exposure and health risk.
Rapidly being affected by the COVID-19, a state-wide lockdown was announced by California Governor Newsom, as of 03/19/2020. The lockdown mandates that all non-essential workers stay home, and the public avoids unnecessary traveling, while practicing social distancing.
With the forthcoming of constant updates by CDC and health authorities, new instructions and recommendations are being announced. With no vaccine or cure for the COVID-19 yet in the market, the single, most effective strategy to combat the highly contagious virus is to slow down and diminish its spreading by minimizing exposure to public and avoiding contacts with others; the best example of The Less is More.
On the other hand, aside from individuals with respiratory and pre-existing conditions with compromised immune system, elderly and aging population are among the most vulnerable to be affected by COVID-19 and have the least successful recovery, if infected.
Therefore, considering the environments, where our beloved elderlies and families are being kept, is the most vital factor now during this COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever before.
During the lockdown –and perhaps for few months afterward, where the risk of COVID-19 proliferation still remains, it is highly recommended to stay home and take care of your elderlies within the family members, primarily residing in the house. Avoid visiting families and friends and avoid having families and friends visiting the household. Remember, family member or non-family member, The Less is More.
If it is practically not feasible for the family members to care for the loved ones, your next best option is to set up care services at home. As one of the top essential industries to continue serving the community even during the lockdown, Redan Home Health is continuing his homecare and home health services. On top of all the ongoing essential training that our staff have always been going through, they are required to take additional measures to be prepared particularly for COVID-19. For instance, they are required to take COVID-19 infection control course, attend COVID-19 preparation webinars by the leaders in the industry, comply with all the recommendation by CDC and local health authorities, and use protective and hygiene items, whenever available and possible. They are also required to report any symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, and get tested for COVID-19, whenever needed. Furthermore, Redan Home Health does its best to allocate the same staff to each client, as much as possible, so as to minimize the number of individuals in contact with your loved ones. Remember, family member or non-family member, The Less is More.
In particular, it should be kept in mind that having your loved ones in an assisted facility, nursing home or rehab should remain as the very last resort, only if no other arrangement is absolutely feasible. Regardless of the quality of the facility and precautions that they put in place to minimize COVID-19 exposure, the fact that your loved one is exposed to several many individuals, staff, other patients and their visitors, is a common risk factor. Remember, family member or non-family member, The Less is More.
The concern regarding COVID-19 exposure in elderly care facilities has been discussed early on the pandemic, and further as the outbreak unfolds. For example, you may read about the issue in this LA Times article on Nursing Homes at the Center of COVID-19 Death Risk, or the article by Kaiser Health News on Nursing Home Outbreak Spotlights Coronavirus Risk In Elder Care Facilities, or this article by Infection Control Today on Long-Term Care Facilities Particularly Vulnerable to COVID-19. And here is a handful examples of COVID-19-related health issues for our elderly kept in facilities, such as those in Long-Term Care Facilities in King County, WA, Jacksonville, FL, Franklin, IN, and Multiple Counties, IA, among others.
So, just to recap:
Keep elderlies at home with you, and take care of them by only those family members residing in the household with them. No outsiders. That is the safest strategy in facing COVID-19.
If family care is not possible, then set up a homecare services for your loved ones; you are still keeping them at home with minimal risk of visits by only one caregiver, who is trained to keep the COVID-19 exposure at the least possible level.
Only if family care and homecare services are absolutely not possible, consider taking your loved ones to a facility. Remember, facility care would always remain the riskiest option for your loved one, as far as the COVID-19 exposure is concerned.
Contact us at Redan Home Health 24/7, and we will be happy to discuss with you the care arrangement options best fit for your loved ones.
“Remember, family member or non-family member, The Less is More. Stay Home & Keep The Elderly at Home.”
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