During this unique time, Catalina In-Home Services remains available 24/7 to provide personal care and support services to seniors, individuals with disabilities and those with chronic illness. We know that elders, who do not have family, and live alone are at higher risk.
We believe that home remains the safest place for the elderly. The virus is spread more quickly in facilities and larger group or public settings. Possible exposure remains lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited outside contact. We feel fortunate to provide care that keeps people at home or limits exposure in group settings through personalized care and support.
Catalina In-Home Services changes our response to the COVID-19 threat daily. Here is how we support our clients and caregivers.
● As a standard practice, we have an emergency preparedness plan in place. We will update it according to the changing situation.
● We daily review CDC and Arizona Department of Health Service guidance along with updates from the Home Care Association of America and other health organizations. Catalina has been in direct communication with the Pima County Health Department and are adjusting our policies to reflect up to the minute best practice.
● All caregivers follow established protocol regarding staying home when sick.
● We are in regular communication with caregivers to assess any known risk factors, such as travel outside of Tucson.
● As of March 2, we began notifying our clients and workforce of the pandemic threat and actions to take. We are providing additional directives on preparation, best practices and social distancing. Our nursing department and human resources called all caregivers to review protocol. We continue to send multiple weekly communications to our caregivers with the most current and relevant information related to the threat. We called every client to talk with them about the situation and support them to obtain 30 days of medication and favorite foods.
● In an effort to promote social distancing we instituted an emergency policy that caregivers will not take clients on non-essential outings or appointments without physician or office approval.
● Last week we issued emergency Personal Protective Equipment kits including additional handouts and CDC graphics to post at both caregiver and client homes. N95 masks must be worn at all times while with the client. We are providing additional products including disinfectant wipes and bleach on an as needed basis.
● We suspended all in-office visits, and all regular nursing visits will be conducted via phone. Our administration team is now working remotely.
● Our care plans are updated to include COVID-19 protocols. Through our telephonic clock-in system, caregivers are reminded at every shift of hand washing protocol. They are also cleaning all surfaces with antibacterial cleaning products.
● We instituted a screening protocol and are monitoring the health of all clients, caregivers and the members of the caregiver’s household.
For clients we serve who reside in facilities or other group-type living situations, we are working closely with the facility on any protocols, exchange of information, or other guidelines as necessary.
We are vigilant about our need to help protect these individuals 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, regardless of an outbreak such as this new coronavirus.
Catalina In-Home has a great deal of experience in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, arthritis, Parkinson’s any many more. We understand how difficult aging can be, and we also know how important it is to find care that is not only competent, but compassionate.
If you are interested in hearing more about our home care services, please call 520-327-6351.
