Our goal is to ensure continuity of care to our clients and protect our caregivers at this time. We are taking updates about COVID-19 seriously, especially considering the growing number of positive cases in Westchester County. We have put several measures in place to protect the health of our employees and clients.
Precautions for Healthcare Workers and Clients
Health Screenings
Before our staff starts their day, we call them and ask about their health and if they have potentially been exposed. At that start of every shift, we measure the temperature of our caregivers prior to interacting with clients. We check-in with our caregivers every time they are about to tend to those in our care.
Protective Equipment
Westchester Family Care provides our employees with protective equipment, including masks, gowns, and gloves. We currently have the ability to care for patients who are suspected positives and are equipped with N95 masks and face shields. While there is a storage of this equipment in New York State, we are doing everything in our power to source needed protective equipment for our staff.
Updated Safety Protocols
Currently, all out of caregivers wear masks when interacting with clients. We have the equipment to care for suspected positives and are focusing on building our procedures to ensure continuity of care for our clients.
We emphasize the need for safety for our employees and their families. Aside from health screenings, all of our caregivers can request not to be assigned to areas suspected of exposure. Caregivers who exhibit symptoms are also not allowed to interact with clients.
Constant Communication
Communication is vital, now more than ever. We consistently checkup on our caregivers about their health status and advise our current client to do the same. If you notice any change in your health, please immediately report it so we can assist you with getting the right care. The symptoms of COVID 19, as identified by the CDC include, mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or pneumonia.
Staying Update on the Coronavirus
Our team is staying on top of emerging reports about COVID 19 through the following ways:
- We educate all of our caregivers about COVID 19, its symptoms, steps to take proactively, and reporting protocols.
- We participate in calls with the CDC and New York State Health to ensure we have the latest guidance.
- Our nurses are continually screening both our caregivers and clients to get a full scope of the situations at any given time.
- We are prepared to follow up with care providers and regional health departments and needed.
Respite for Family Caregivers
We understand how challenging it can be to care for your loved ones at this time. Many families are altering their loved one’s plan of care, whether that means caring for them at home or ensuring they are receiving the best care possible at a facility.
Many people are now working at home and balancing work with caring for their families full-time. If your plans of care are changing, from transitioning a loved one to home care or increasing the level of care provided, our caregivers are here to help.
Contact Westchester Family Care for an immediate family need or when planning for future needs: info@westfamilycare.com, 914-764-7500 , www.westchesterfamilycare.com.