At Casa Companion Homecare, the health of our clients and employees in San Diego home care is our top priority. As one of the top agencies providing home care in San Diego, we take our responsibilities very seriously. We’re taking extensive measures to protect our clients and our caregivers, which we’ve listed here. We’re also sharing best practices for how you can best protect yourself and your loved ones.
Casa Companion Homecare Is Responding to the COVID-19 Threat
Casa Companion Homecare is actively monitoring the progression of the coronavirus, 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 home care solutions protocols will be adjusted as needed. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild, causing only fever and cough, but a very small percentage of cases become severe. These critical cases may progress, particularly in the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Because this is the primary population served by Casa Companion Homecare, we understand your concerns and want to share with you how our organization is responding to the threat of COVID-19. While this situation remains volatile and uncertain, we want our clients and employees to feel confident that we have been proactive and have plans in place. In particular, we are braced for a surge the need for in home care in San Diego considering the recommendation to stay home by all experts and authorities on this virus.
How We’re Preparing for COVID-19 in San Diego
- 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.
- As a standard practice, all employees are trained on Infection Control and Pathogens, Emergency Procedures and Medical Emergencies. We are following guidance from the CDC on proper infection control and all Home Care Aides are aware of and adhering to these protocols.
- All Home Care Aides shall follow established protocol regarding staying home when sick. This practice is not new to our staff. Our company already has an established paid sick leave policy in place for our Home Care Aides to encourage and support self-care when needed and to recuperate from illness. As an employer, we understand that employees are more than likely to stay home if they are sick if they know that they will not be financially impacted, penalized, or required to get a doctor’s note. We will consider further revisions to our policy based on progression of COVID-19.
- We will communicate 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 will follow recommended procedures for allowing a sick or high-risk Home Care Aide to return to work.
- 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.
- We have ramped up recruiting efforts and we have partnerships in place with other home care agencies to mitigate the impact of potential staffing shortages due to COVID-19.
- We have updated the contact info and the emergency contact details for all employees and clients for quick and timely communication.
- We are vigilant about our need to help protect our clients 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 and employees, regardless of an outbreak such as this new coronavirus.
Contingency Planning for You or Your Loved One
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.
We have taken measures for the potential increase in home-care-based services needed or staff shortages. However, depending on the severity of the spread of illness in communities or 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.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and back up support, if possible.
- Follow CDC flu season best practices and have appropriate hygiene supplies in their homes to protect yourself, loved ones, and caregiver staff.
- 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.
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
- 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.
- 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.
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 limit exposure in group settings through personalized care and support.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We want to assure you that we are following all the necessary protocols to protect our clients and your loved one. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
Helpful Resources
CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
