Home care provides critical services not just to individual clients, who are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19, and their families, but to the communities. Home care relieves pressure on hospitals and nursing homes, as well as helps flatten the curve by lessening the chances of spreading the infection.
What Is the Coronavirus Disease and Its Symptoms?
Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness spread from person to person primarily by water droplets from coughing or sneezing. Older adults and people with severe underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people require hospitalization. There is no known cure or vaccine. Everyone, especially seniors, are advised to practice social distancing and avoid leaving their homes.
What Is Home Care?
Home care services include both medical and non-medical services designed to allow seniors to remain in their home safely and as comfortably as possible. Non-medical home care services typically involve personal care and hygiene, companionship, mobility assistance, nutrition, and help with other daily living activities. Home caregivers are trained professionals, such as registered nurses and certified home health aides. Some seniors need only a few hours of assistance per week, some might require a few hours each day, and some might benefit from around-the-clock or live-in care.
Why Is Home Care Needed Now More Than Ever?
Home care mitigates risks and helps affected patients, as well as relieves pressure on families, community hospitals, and nursing homes. Since seniors should avoid contact with others as much as possible and self-isolate, home care workers serve as a vital contact point and resource. Home care providers help monitor clients for signs of COVID-19 and track symptoms for patients who tested positive. They can help care for other illnesses or aid in recovery from hospitalizations, relieving pressure on hospitals and nursing homes. They can offer companionship and run errands for seniors whose families are sheltering in place elsewhere.
Not all home care agencies are able to meet the new demands. The Senior Company prepared in advance, though, and is ready and willing to step in as needed for the health and safety of our entire community. Following the CDC’s recommendations to help protect our patients and caregivers in the home setting from the spread of COVID-19, The Senior Company continues providing much needed services to existing and new clients in the North New Jersey area daily during these difficult times.
