Improving Homecare for 2019-nCoV in Iowa

Iowa is one of the many states that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. More than 80,000 cases right now and more than 400 people being infected every day. 2019-nCoV, as it is technically referred as, has Iowa in its grip. Regardless, if you wish to work safer as an Iowan Homecare Specialist or anywhere else, here are some tips:

Provide Basic Support

As a homecare professional your main job is to provide basic support to your clients. 2019-nCoV cannot change that fact. When providing assistance after a hospital visit, be sure to ask the doctor for specific instructions. If the doctor is not available and your client is ill, consider buying over-the-counter medicines for your patient first. Ensure that they are drinking enough fluids and getting enough rest and nutrition. 

Keep their doctor’s phone number with you at all times. Use the CDC tools to check that your client or anyone else in the house is not showing symptoms. If they are, be sure to call their doctor immediately. Signs of elderly getting sick with COVID-19 are sometimes very different. Some of the various symptoms to look for are:

• Breathing issues, or heavier breathing than usual
• Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
• Mental confusion and paranoia in the elderly
• Falling asleep much more than normal
• Loss of smell or taste
• Atypical symptoms include: Falling, painful swallowing, diarrhea or vomiting

Social Distancing

While assisting, be sure to always limit your contact with the client as much as possible. Even if your client is not showing symptoms of the 2019-nCoV virus. Here are just some of the ways you can limit your contact:

Maintain Significant Airflow

If you and your client have to share space, ensure that you are maintaining significant airflow in the room. You can improve airflow by providing added ventilation through windows or air conditioners and even opening doors. Alternatively, air-cleaners can remove moisture from the atmosphere would work to filter out air droplets. Lastly, check with the HVAC technician about changing HVAC filters to reduce indoor air pollutants. Although these filter won’t protect against viruses, they can make for much better airflow in the home.

Staying Away From Visitors

A home care professional’s job does not include greeting visitors. Regardless, Sioux City, Iowa is a family-friendly city and people tend to visit even in these times. Try to physically stay away from visitors as much as possible, only interacting with them when there’s a need. Employ the general rule of staying at least 6 feet away from each other and ALWAYS wear a mask.

Use Different Bathrooms

Bathrooms are perhaps the most surface-touched room in the house. This is why you should try to use a different toilet from your client whenever possible. In cases that you have to use a shared bathroom – which is common, wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and encourage it. Also, encourage using separate bathrooms if there is more than one. And, when cleaning, pay extra attention to surfaces and fabrics. 

Do Not Share Items

Other than using different toilets, try using different doors if possible. Avoid sharing things like TV remotes, phones, pens, etc. IMPORTANT: you should always wear a mask and gloves. 

Final Thoughts:

If you can follow all these tips for improving homecare with 2019-nCoV, you can lower chances of spreading the virus. Don’t forget to clean your hands often and use soap/water instead of hand sanitizer whenever possible. If you need any clarification on our policy, please contact us. Family First is a true professional homecare service in western Iowa.