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COVID-19 Home Care Resource Center

Helping Home Care Providers Accelerate their Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aaniie is working hard to help home care agencies keep their staff, caregivers, and the clients and families they care for safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Smartcare was founded on the notion that we have a duty to our parents, grandparents and all members of older generations to ensure that they age with dignity with healthcare that meets their needs, provides comfort, safety, convenience and the best experience possible.

Our mission is the foundation of everything that we do at Smartcare. In the face of this global emergency we are committed to providing information, resources and direct support for our customers and the entire home care community.

Share with and remind your caregivers, office staff and client’s of the common sense healthy habits they should follow to help protect them from any sickness. The CDC still advocates that the most effective way to avoid transmitting sicknesses is through effective hand washing.

CDC has recommendations for infection control habits 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • No soap and water – use a 60% alcohol hand sanitizer. Rub them together until they feel dry
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid all non-essential travel
  • Stay-at-home except to get medical care, food, or emergency care
  • Feeling sick, call first before visiting your doctor

Continue to monitor and stay informed with highly trusted official sources of news on COVID-19. Sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), The National Association for Home Care NAHC coronavirus resource page and your local health departments.

During this time when many of us are working out of our remote offices we can easily forget to check in with our staff and care teams. Be visible to your caregivers, team members, clients and other stakeholders virtually.  Reach out regularly with individual calls, group messages and updates. Your caregivers and back-office team look to you to inspire confidence that what they are doing matters and that you are there to support them.  Communicating with them honestly, openly and transparently will build their confidence and increase their trust in you.  

  • Be virtually visible
  • Share safety protocols
  • Communicate openly and honestly
  • Monitor and share changing COVID-19 guidelines
  • Celebrate the wins and successes
  • Listen to your team

Educate your caregivers on COVID-19 to help them better understand how to protect their clients and themselves.

Coronavirus Training for Caregivers

CDC COVID-19 Self-checker

CDC COVID-19 Guidance on Managing Anxiety & Stress

Your staff, caregivers, clients and their families all have questions. Some may be asking you and your care team directly, while others are just thinking about them. Be proactive and prepare a list of questions and responses for caregivers, clients and their families. Share the client FAQs with your staff and care team so they are prepared to answer and support your COVID-19 communication plan.

Here is a start:

Q: Can we secure additional care for our loved one?

Q: How are your protecting our family member under your care?

Q: How are you keeping your caregivers safe?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance

CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Overview

Information for Healthcare Professionals

Interim Guidance for Public Health Personnel Evaluating Persons Under Investigation and Asymptomatic Close Contacts of Confirmed Cases

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings

Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease

Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE

WHO Guidance

World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

World Health Organization Coronavirus disease advice for the public

World Health Organization Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak

World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance

CMS Guidance

Home Health Telehealth for Face to Face Guidance

CMS Medicaid FAQs

Home Health Agencies

Use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel

OSHA Guidance

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines for Workers and Employers

Temporary Enforcement Guidance – Healthcare Respiratory Protection Annual Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Face pieces During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Other Resources

NAHC Coronavirus Home Care and Hospice Checklist

National Association for home Care Coronavirus Resources 

Home Care Association of America Coronavirus

In the know Coronavirus Training for Caregivers

Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources