HOME HEALTH CARE WORKERS
Here’s How to Stay Safe During COVID-19 BY KEVIN FIELDS
IT
has always been a challenge
• Approved disinfectant wipe
for Home Health Care Pro-
• Hand sanitizer
viders to keep themselves
safe while providing safe care to clients. In the era of COVID-19, it can be harder than ever. Here is an overview of best practices to
• Medical supplies • Trash bags • Surface barrier (i.e. wax
paper)
protect both providers and clients.
PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT Inventory Supplies: • Full PPE: N95 mask with
storage container, face shield, gown, and gloves • Mask – extra in case client/
family members need one • Gloves • Eye protection
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Contact the client and ask the following questions:
➤ Have you been medically directed to self-quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19? ➤ Have you had any illness symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, or chills within the last 48 hours? ➤ If the answer to any of these questions is YES or the occu-
➤ Have you, or anyone in your
pant(s) prefers not to have a
family, been in contact with a
worker in their home, the visit
person that is in process of being
should be rescheduled or, if
tested for COVID-19?
possible, conducted virtually. As
➤ H ave you, or anyone in your
a general rule, a yes answer
family, travelled outside of the
requires the visit to be resched-
United States in the last 2 weeks
uled for no earlier than 14 days.
or just travelled outside of your city?
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