Loved Ones Are Safer & Happier During COVID-19 with DHC In-Home Care
When her adult daughter died recently of cancer, my 90-year-old sister-in-law lost her support system. She was still living on her own in Virginia but required quite a bit of help to stay at home by herself. Her son and his wife in Provo, Utah, convinced her to move to a lovely assisted living facility close to their home.
The move took place when a dramatic spike in COVID-19 in the area was just beginning. Shortly after Janet (not her real name) arrived, for the safety of all, the facility closed its doors to visitors. Understandably, they discourage taking residents “off campus” where they might be exposed to the virus and bring it back to other residents. The move is not turning out quite the way Janet and her family had hoped.
People all over the country who are taking care of elderly loved ones still at home or in their homes are taking similar precautions. As a result, both seniors and caregivers often feel isolated and lonely wherever they are. Members of greater Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo and the surrounding communities will be happy to know that help can be just a phone call away.
Alternatives for Happier Outcomes in Any Living Conditions
The staff at Dakota Home Care (DHC) recognizes the hardship for seniors and other at-risk community members who, because of the risk of infection are not able to see their families, friends and loved ones at this time of COVID-19. This can be equally hard on caregivers. They may be afraid to ask for help, because they fear it will not be safe to bring in someone from the outside.
You can take comfort in knowing that help from DHC is always nearby, to offer friendly companionship services that reduce isolation and alleviate loneliness and boredom, wherever the person calls home. This includes their home, your home, or assisted and independent living facilities. DHC provides a full range of medical and non-medical services to help with personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation and more.
Necessary Safety Measures Followed During the Pandemic
So that home will remain the safest, healthiest and happiest place for your loved one to be during the pandemic, everyone at DHC is following carefully monitored steps to keep clients, their families and employees free from the virus. Their certified home health aides all complete a 75-hour training program and competency exam, along with ongoing monthly education. They are fully supervised by a registered nurse, and can assist safely with a range of home care services.
The health and safety of clients and caregivers is always top priority for Dakota Home Care’s staff. When providing services, they all follow these and other safety measures:
- Monitor personal health daily for COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., new onset of fever, cough, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, and/or shortness of breath)
- Check temperature daily prior to starting a shift, and report any fever above 100.4 degrees
- Complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to each shift
- If there is any indication of illness, stay at home until released by a medical provider or supervisor
- Pre-screen clients each day to ensure no one in the home is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Follow standard precautions for hand and respiratory hygiene, wear a surgical mask throughout the whole shift, and wear gloves when likely to come in contact with any bodily fluid, or secretions
- Properly clean and disinfect the immediate area where the client is located as often as needed
- Ask all clients and household members to wear a mask when within 6 feet of our caregivers or other outside visitors.
- Contact the agency immediately if signs or symptoms develop
Check Out the Highest-Quality In-Home Care Services in North Dakota
DHC staff members are dedicated and committed to providing the highest-quality in-home care services. They care deeply about each of their clients and their loved ones. They do everything they can to protect those they have the honor of serving. They also take pride in doing their part to protect the health and safety of their staff and the members of the communities where they serve.
Contact Dakota Home Care any time at (877) 691-0015 to learn how our home care in West Fargo and the surrounding areas can help. Set up a free in-home consultation for at home senior services, ask questions or express concerns you may have. We all want to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep home an option that is safe, healthy and comfortable.