COVID-19 GUIDELINES

 

Visitor entry/return home protocol:

1. Each visitor (non regular DSP),

   1. Visitor Temperature: Scan each visitor and document their temperature on the visitor contact log. Make sure to appropriately disinfect the thermometer between each use.

   2. Immediately remove shoes.

   3. Wash hands (rubbing with soap for 20 seconds), rinse thoroughly, then dry thoroughly. 

   4. Must sign in with contact information and confirm they have not had any symptoms or been around others with symptoms.

 

Employees:

 

1. Employees during shift change:

1. Please take note of each other’s appearance and health condition

2. Ask the person coming on shift if they have had any known exposure or are experiencing a fever.

3. Ask the person if they have had any of the symptoms of COVID.

4. Take the temperature of the arriving DSP and document on the time card next to the corresponding shift. If fever of 100 degrees or higher on coming DSP do not enter the home. Contact Billie and wait for new DSP to relieve you.

5. Initial each other’s time card, VERIFYING the check has been completed.

 

1. Wipe surfaces, such as the front door knob (inside and outside), frequently. Use the CDC approved disinfectant cleaner, let set for 20-30 seconds before wiping down. Follow with OnGuard disinfectant cleaner, let set for 20-30 seconds before wiping down.   

2. Masks: disposable or cloth masks are to be worn by DSP and individuals while in indoor public settings or outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible. Cloth masks may have a pocket where you can place a disposable make to increase the amount of protection, disposable masks should be only worn for one shift.                          Please make sure to alert supervisor when there are 15 or less disposable masks in the home.

   1. DSPs are to wear masks and gloves whenever providing personal care where they may come in contact with bodily fluids, masks should be worn whenever the DSP is directly assisting an individual in meal preparation/cooking, and other instances when 6’ social distancing cannot be maintained.

   2. Disposable mask conservation: DSPs should use the same mask during each shift whenever possible.  There may be some days mask wearing may be utilized for a very short period of time, in that case, the mask can be stored and reused by the same individual the following day.

      1. Remember to avoid touching the mask directly with your hands unless your hands have been recently washed/hand sanitizer has been used. 

      2. Remember to remove masks using the ear loops, and place into bag/baggie once removed. 

   3. Cloth Mask Sanitizing: Cloth masks can be sanitized by washing them with soap and water (hanging them in an appropriate area to dry), or pressing them with a hot iron (using temperature according to type of material), (do not use the steam setting, and make sure you have removed any inserts like disposable masks prior to ironing mask).

 

1. PPE Kits: Each site should have at least one unopened disposable PPE kit on hand.  These kits are only to be used for emergency protocols (explained below), alert supervisor whenever a kit must be used.

 

 

Additional methods for protection/prevention daily:

1. Diffusing: “Protective” Essential Oil blends should be diffused regularly throughout the day.On Guard,Thyme and Tea Tree Oil: 2-3 drops of each, add water to line, start the diffuser and click the button until on (longest diffusing time). Set yourself a reminder to make sure the diffuser is going by 8am and reset at 6pm every day. This is a way of adding a boost of added support, and changing things up just a little.

2. On Guard Hand Spray or Hand Sanitizer: bring along every time you and the individual go outside the home. Spray shopping carts and shopping  baskets prior to touching at the beginning of the shopping trip. If you are running low, contact your supervisor.

 

We do not have to be afraid if we are educated, prepared, aware, conscientious!

We are a fantastic team of people!  We will successfully navigate this very new and serious health crisis by working together and making sure we communicate well and frequently.  We are all very important to those who depend upon us for their daily wellbeing, so we urge you to take safety and preventative measures while off from work.  Each of us plays a very important role in this company and in the lives of those counting on us. 

We do not need to fear the occasional public outing to the grocery or to the laundry if we plan ahead and are prepared. Just as we must have survival necessities, and our needs met, it's our duty to provide this for those we serve.  It's important to verbally reinforce hand sanitizer, hand washing, social distance – quiz one another. 

 

We care about your health! We have a FREE OF CHARGE service for ALL employees through AFLAC, for the MeMD virtual doctor’s visit.  You need to have signed off for or against AFLAC with Nancy in order to receive this.  If you are a newer employee and haven’t been offered this option and would like to have access to MeMD, please let Tina or Billie know.

 

The series of recent events is a very scary and unexpected experience for us all.  Please remember that it is your information, your tone of voice, and your general attitude that is going to most influence another’s perspective and how well or not they will acclimate to all of this change.  Please refrain from personal conversations about the current health crisis near or in front of our individuals. 

Separation Strategies: Plan outings to get some fresh air and exercise, weather permitting.  Taking walks in a park, or other approved public spaces is an important activity to consistently encourage and complete. Think of ways to create a consistent and varied routine.  Planning projects that last a couple days, such as crafts that require a multi step process, can help create consistent positivity. Brainstorm ways to connect with others through skype, tic toc, and reach out together modeling appropriate and positive ways to utilize social media and technology.

 

Possible Infection Response:

If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, notice that you are lacking the ability of taste (such as food) and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, the CDC advises you to call your medical provider immediately, or contact your supervisor to determine the closest testing site.

• Make sure to mention that you are a caregiver providing essential services.  Testing and care for those of us working with essential businesses are a priority as of the time that this document was issued to employees. 

 

PLEASE contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you begin experiencing symptoms consistent with: fever, losing the ability to taste, and/or symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough or difficulty breathing. You will be ineligible to return to work without negative results of a COVID-19 test and a release statement from a health care provider OR you must quarantine for 10 days, and cannot return until symptoms are no longer present. 

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Please inform your Supervisor of ANY POSSIBLE COVID – 19 case or exposure, signs or symptoms.

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Workplace Flexibility and Protections:

All individuals served by Branches continue to be observed for signs/indications of health concerns.  Branches DSP are monitoring every individual for any signs of illness, as well as self monitoring and monitoring one another for signs of illness, as well as documenting temperatures at the beginning of each shift. It is suggested that DSP keep a change of clothing with them in the event of exposure.

 

Preparations include the possibility of “self-isolation” in the event an Individual receives a provisional diagnosis of this virus. This would also require persons (diagnosed with COVID-19 ) to remain in their home to the greatest extent possible, Both positive symptoms or a diagnosis will impact community activities for that individual (possibly impacting their housemates) for a length of time. Modifying DSP schedules to accommodate an individual displaying positive COVID-19 symptoms and/or a diagnosis will be handled per case/situation.

 

The use of PPE kits will be utilized for the following:

• DSP develops symptoms during a shift such as:  a fever, respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, difficulty breathing, etc). DSP will wear the disposable PPE immediately (gown, gloves, face mask, guard), alert supervisor and assist in finding a replacement DSP, disinfect surfaces and areas. DSP with symptoms will dispose of their PPE garments immediately following their shift into a trash bag and dispose of it, outside the home, immediately. DSP who develop symptoms, while awaiting relief, should distance themselves 6’ or more from the individuals while maintaining line of sight supervision. In the event that an individual requires personal assistance, while awaiting relief, attempt to provide assistance in under 10 minutes of time.DSP should then distance themselves again from individual(s). DSP arriving will utilize a new PPE kit, and follow protocols for prevention and disinfecting immediately upon entering home (if possible). At shift’s end, PPE garments will be removed, hung and sprayed with disinfectant, labeled with DSP’s name, then stored in designated areas until the next shift.  Whenever possible, PPE gowns and shields will be reused by the same DSP for up to 7 days.  It is recommended that DSP bring a change of clothes with them, and place clothing worn during shift into a secured plastic bag to be laundered (DSP responsible for laundering their own personal items)

• Individuals with known exposure or develop symptoms: DSP will have access to and may utilize PPE kit garments, notify supervisor, and pertinent health care provider(s) for individual. At shift’s end, PPE garments will be removed, hung and sprayed with disinfectant, labeled with DSP’s name, then stored in designated areas until the next shift.  Whenever possible, PPE gowns and shields will be reused by the same DSP for up to 7 days.  It is recommended that DSP bring a change of clothes with them, and place clothing worn during shift into a secured plastic bag to be laundered (DSP responsible for laundering their own personal items)

• DSP reports a positive Covid-19 diagnosis and has worked with individuals within the past 14 days: each shift will utilize appropriate components of PPE kit. Whenever possible, PPE gowns and shields will be reused by the same DSP for up to 7 days.  At shift’s end, PPE garments will be removed, hung and sprayed with disinfectant, labeled with DSP’s name, then stored in designated areas until the next shift.  Whenever possible, PPE gowns and shields will be reused by the same DSP for up to 7 days.  It is recommended that DSP bring a change of clothes with them, and place clothing worn during shift into a secured plastic bag to be laundered (DSP responsible for laundering their own personal items)

• Other situations requiring the above PPE protocol can be the result of a directive from a supervisor.

• CDC Guidelines

Who needs to quarantine?

People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19—excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 months.

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

What counts as close contact?

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more

• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19

• You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)

• You shared eating or drinking utensils

• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

Steps to take

Stay home and monitor your health

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

• Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

Options to reduce quarantine

Reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to quarantine by reducing the time they cannot work. A shorter quarantine period also can lessen stress on the public health system, especially when new infections are rapidly rising.

Your local public health authorities make the final decisions about how long quarantine should last, based on local conditions and needs. Follow the recommendations of your local public health department if you need to quarantine. Options they will consider include stopping quarantine

• After day 10 without testing

• After day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)

After stopping quarantine, you should

• Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.

• If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider.

• Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus. CDC will continue to evaluate new information and update recommendations as needed. See Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing for guidance on options to reduce quarantine.

 

VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE! Please see following link for the State of Indiana

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/

 

INDIVIDUALS/GUARDIANS MAY REQUIRE STAFF BE VACCINATED

 

 

 

In order to keep Branches team members healthy, so this agency can continue to provide services to our individuals, visitors to ALL Home Offices are being limited, and encouraged to continue to use careful consideration and caution when planning visits. Members of our DSP’s have been instructed to utilize technology for meetings over having “face-to-face” meetings, especially for group meetings. This does include quarterly and annual meetings.

 

Utilizing the Public Outing Survey and the Visitor Log will assist in our ability to track possible exposures, while remaining diligent in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

 

We will work with you, other agencies/providers, and case managers in order to make virtual meetings easily accessible (teleconference or videoconference). We trust that you understand the necessity and need for this change to protect both DSP and individuals.

 

I have read/reviewed all of the information in this document and received a personal copy:

 

 

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