OLIVIA ROGERS Olivia is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas .
Dear Olivia , I am nervous having anyone come into our home during the current health environment and I suspect it may be this way for a while . How do we know when it is safe to use in-home care of any kind right now , especially hospice ?
~ How Can We Ensure Safety Dear How Can We Ensure Safety , All patients and families should require anyone coming into their home is screened properly to ensure you are provided the safest care possible in such a tumultuous time . The CDC has issued clear guidance on how to screen both health care personnel and patients prior to providing any care . Patients and families / caregivers should be asked screening questions prior to visits so health care workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for the situation . This may include a mask , gloves , gown , shoe covers and face shield or goggles and is worn to ensure the safety of your loved one and the health care worker .
Screening questions : 1 . Has anyone engaged in international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission ? 2 . Are there any signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection , such as a fever , cough , and sore throat ?
3 . In the last 14 days , has patient had contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID19 , or are they ill with respiratory illness ?
4 . Does the patient reside in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring ?
It is also essential to ensure the health care workers are cleared before making a visit to your home . The CDC approved survey process for these workers is as follows : 1 . Health care providers and volunteers who have symptoms of a respiratory infection should not report to work .
2 . Anyone who develops symptoms of a respiratory infection while on the job should immediately stop work , put on a face mask , and self-isolate at home .
3 . Health care workers should take their temperature twice a day and stay home with any abnormal temperature . 4 . It is always appropriate to ask the health care worker to put on a mask prior to entering your home .
Strictly following these procedures will ensure that the community is preventing the spread of COVID-19 and necessary at-home care can be provided .
~ Olivia
Hospice & Palliative Care vnatexas . org
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VNA Hospice Care
VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve . As a nonprofit , our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff .
VNA Care Choices
Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness , patients and their loved ones have many questions about the best course of action . VNA Care Choices provides supportive care services in the home while continuing treatment with your current physician .
To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call ( 214 ) 535-2615 or email gethelp @ vnatexas . org For volunteer opportunities please call ( 214 ) 689-2271 or email volunteer @ vnatexas . org
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