Temporary Home Care is actively monitoring the progression of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have activated our Emergency Preparedness Plan and are looking to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) for accurate information and updates, as well as local and county authorities, and other resources. We believe that home remains the safest place for you or your loved one, as indications show that the virus is spread more quickly in larger groups or public settings. Possible exposure will remain the lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited outside contact. For this reason, we feel fortunate to be able to provide care that can keep people at home and limit their exposure through personal care and support.

While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, causing only fever and cough, a small percentage of cases become severe and may progress quickly, particularly in the elderly and among people with underlying medical conditions. Because this is the primary population that we serve, we understand you may have concerns. For this reason, we want to share with you how Temporary Home Care is responding to the threat of COVID-19.

The following are some of the procedures we have in place:

• Our staff is trained in infectious disease control and have received additional training regarding the Coronavirus.
• Our caregivers should not care for those who exhibit signs of, or have been tested positive for, the virus as a safekeeping measure for themselves and for their other clients and families.
• Staying home when ill: our caregivers are to notify our office and stay home if they are ill with any sickness so as to not infect any of our clients or their family members.
• Our staff follows hygiene procedures directed by the CDC, including frequent handwashing, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels (with 60% alcohol level or higher), especially before eating or preparing food, after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, etc.
• The caregivers will clean/disinfect high touch surfaces in the home, including door knobs, light plates, counter tops, table tops, etc.
• Employee screening: we are conducting screenings of our staff daily for the next several weeks. Each employee will be screened for risk factors including travel recently to countries with Level 3 or higher travel advisories by the US State Dept., close contact with someone believed to have Covid-19 (per CDC guidelines) and exhibiting flu like symptoms. A temperature check will be done.
• If any of our staff or their clients should show signs of COVID-19, we will report, isolate and quarantine, as necessary, following national and local guidelines.

For our clients in the hospital, or residing in assisted living or skilled facilities we are working closely with the facility on any protocols and procedures, as necessary.

The health and safety of our clients and employees is our utmost priority. For questions or more information, please call our office at 713-271-8800.

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