Why In-Home Care?
One of the things that we learned during the height of the pandemic was that our ability to interact with our loved ones was changed. While we could see mom or dad in their own homes, those seniors who lived in assisted living or skilled nursing were not allowed to have visitors. As a result, these individuals felt isolated, and depression began to take a toll on many residents.
For seniors receiving in-home care, this was not the case.
There have, indeed, been changes that occurred during the pandemic in visiting friends and family safely in their homes, especially those who received in-home care. Changes included careful screening practices, proper use of masks and other personal protective equipment, use of sanitizers, and other precautions. These changes have allowed for safer visits and helped give people the socialization and interaction many felt deprived of during COVID-19 shutdowns.
So, what are some of the specific ways in-home care providers like Home Instead in Bryan and College Station made changes to keep seniors safe from COVID-19? Let’s drill down:
- Screening – As a licensed agency of the Health and Human Services Commission of Texas, Home Instead in Bryan and College Station follows strict guidelines regarding screening visitors entering homes, facilities, offices, and other buildings. This screening has become mandatory. Questions related to known COVID-19 exposure, current health conditions, recent travel outside the US, and evidence of symptoms of COVID-19 are asked as part of the screenings. While visitations are permitted, they are limited to those individuals least likely to have had a COVID-19 exposure. Many times, temperatures are checked to be sure visitors are free of a fever. By being diligent with screening visitors, the risk of additional exposures and infections is minimized for seniors or aging adults who are receiving care.
- Masking – With the scientific evidence in showing the increased level of protection when surgical and face masks are properly used, using masks and other PPE as a means of reducing unnecessary exposure to airborne particles is necessary. In the homes of Home Instead clients in Bryan and College Station, our CAREGivers are required to wear masks on every visit and utilize gloves and other PPE. Our CAREGivers are expertly trained on using this equipment and practice extreme caution when doing so.
- Social Distancing –It is often impossible to remain at least six feet from one another when providing in-home care for things like bathing, incontinence care, toileting, feeding and other close contact activities. At Home Instead in Bryan and College Station, our team is well-trained to maintain a safe distance from visitors and other healthcare providers. It takes focus and commitment to provide care safely and in compliance with all regulations, something we take pride in doing well!
- Adherence with CDC Guidelines – Complying with state and federal guidelines during this pandemic is essential for Home Instead in Bryan and College Station. The CDC has been a great source of information that, when followed, can mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus. Our team at Home Instead in Bryan and College Station attend regular webinars, trainings, and follows recommendations from leading healthcare professionals enabling our office to make decisions, all designed to keep your loved ones safe in their own homes.
Studies indicate that as people age, they want to do so in the comfort and security of their own homes. At Home Instead in Bryan and College Station, safety protocols are at the forefront of our efforts to provide in-home care and keep remaining at home, a viable – and preferred – reality.
Call us today at (979) 268-6880 to discuss your FREE home care consultation to see if our services are right for you.
