Recently there has been a lot of information in the news regarding COVID-19, the Novel Coronavirus. The growth of the virus has risen in the U.S and around the world in recent days. News reports indicate as of 3/14/2020, there are four presumptive positive cases of the Coronavirus identified in Montana.
EPAGA Home Care is a company dedicated to providing care, while bringing joy to individuals in their home environment(s). We have been monitoring the progression of the virus, as well as monitoring the guidance of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are committed to providing the safest care possible to our clients and we continue to believe that during this period of unknown, home is the best place to be. Indications show the Coronavirus spreads quickly in large group and public settings. To avoid exposure, it is our belief that clients who stay in their homes, with limited outside contact, will reduce their risk of contracting the Coronavirus. We are proud to offer continued care and support to our most precious clients while reducing the risk of exposure.
Most cases of COVID-19 are being reported as mild with a cough and fever; however, a small percentage of cases are severe and escalate quickly. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions have been identified as those at greatest risk. In consideration of the primary population served by EPAGA Home Care, we understand there may be concerns. Please see information below detailing how EPAGA is responding to the threat of COVID-19.
We continue to monitor and follow updates and procedures from local, state and national authorities (DPHHS & CDC), as well as collaborating with other agencies and resources.
We are vigilant about our responsibility to help protect our EPAGA Accredited Caregivers and our precious clients from illness whether it’s Coronavirus, the flu or any other communicable disease.
PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES WE HAVE IN PLACE
EPAGA Accredited Caregivers are trained in infectious disease control, which includes universal and standard precautions training.
As a measure of safekeeping for themselves, their families and their other EPAGA clients, EPAGA Accredited Caregivers should not provide care for those who exhibit signs of or have tested positive for COVID-19.
IVR Message: At the beginning of a telephony shift clock-in, this message will play: “If you or your clients are experiencing any fever, cough or flu-like symptoms, please contact your office immediately. Please also be extra careful by washing your hands for 30 seconds with soap at arrival and frequently throughout your shifts.”
Mobile App Message: At the beginning of a mobile shift clock-in, the same message will be displayed.
EPAGA Accredited Caregivers have an established protocol to stay home if they are ill with any sickness so as to not infect any of our clients or their family members.
EPAGA Accredited Caregivers follow hygiene procedures directed by the CDC, including vigorous and frequent hand-washing with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels (with 70% alcohol level or higher), use of disinfectant wipes to frequently wipe down surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, disposal of any items that may have virus or bacteria, and much more.
As necessary and prudent following instruction from the CDC, DPHHS and local authorities, any EPAGA Accredited Caregivers, EPAGA clients or family members showing signs of COVID-19, will be subject to reporting, isolation & quarantine.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR OUR EPAGA HOME CARE COMMUNITY
The management team at EPAGA Home Care continues to monitor the severity and spread of illness in our communities and beyond. We are watching the response taken by national and state authorities and will make informed decisions moving forward. In the event of a mandatory isolation, school closure, etc. we may experience a shortage of available EPAGA Accredited Caregivers. EPAGA’s management team will address these potential occurrences on a case by case basis.
EPAGA team members take pride in caring for our community and will continue to make every effort to provide our clients with appropriate and minimal cancelations; however, we cannot guarantee there will not be cancellations given the uncertainties of the situation.
We strongly recommend our clients have alternative arrangements for the provision of care in the event we are unable to provide that care. Please consider your PLAN B, in the unlikely event we become unable to provide services.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
Avoid contact with people who are ill.
Self-isolate by staying home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
Avoid areas with large groups where you are in close proximity to other people. Practice “social distancing” as recommended by the CDC by keeping a distance of at least six feet away from strangers. This is especially important if you are in a high-risk category; elderly, someone with underlying medical conditions or immune system impairment, etc.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as these are entry points for the virus.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under the nails. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Regularly clean and disinfect objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, telephones, TV remotes, doorknobs, faucet handles, steering wheels, counters and tabletops.
Eat well, drink lots of water and get rest to keep your immune system healthy.
Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and back-up support.
As new information becomes available, we will share that with our staff and clients. You can learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
