Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2020 | Page 8

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 N I J H ACCREDITED 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 [phone] or email [email protected] For volunteer opportunities please call [phone] or email [email protected] 6 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020