COVID-19 Information
A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Learn more about the virus and read the most current information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vaccines are now available, see below for vaccine information.
Assisting Hands Home Care has put the following procedures in place and are taking the following actions to protect our clients and caregivers:
- A mandatory two-week quarantine period for any patient or caregiver that has been ill, released from the hospital/rehabilitation facility or traveling.
- Training for our caregivers to identify symptoms.
- All caregivers must complete a screening process for themselves and the client upon arrival at the client’s home. Caregivers will report any symptoms to the office staff.
- We put additional infection control procedures and training in place so the caregiver and client will know what to do after the symptoms are identified.
- Providing masks, gloves and sanitizers to caregivers.
- If a client has had a possible exposure, we stop service to that client. We then contact trace to ensure the health of all caregivers who have been in contact with the client.
- Caregivers who have been exposed to the virus must quarantine and be tested with the test results submitted to the office. The caregiver cannot return to work until a negative test result has been submitted.
Using alcohol-based antiseptic gel helps prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The CDC has a special resource page and a What Older Adults Need to Know video that provides education about risk factors and disease prevention for older citizens. Eight out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older. DailyCaring.com has COVID-19 FAQ questions for seniors and their caregivers. Visit our Quick Facts blog.
If you are unsure if you have been exposed or have symptoms, contact your doctor or local medical professional for guidance and before going to their office. We are available if you need additional assistance.
Stay up to date with the CDC, state and local guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Know the symptoms of COVID-19, which can include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. The CDC has information about COVID-19 vs. flu and flu vs. cold.
CDC VIDEO: Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019
COVID-19 Vaccine information
Vaccines are available by appointment for New Jersey residents in select groups. Learn more about the New Jersey megasites and other locations for appointments. The CDC has vaccine information specifically for older people.
For assistance securing an appointment, there is a Facebook group that contains helpful information and guidance, including a way to connect with volunteers assisting individuals in booking appointments. On Twitter, there is a bot that shares the latest appointment availability.
Confused about all the information about the different vaccines available? AARP has an informational article about the differences between the three major manufacturers.
Special presentation from Artis Senior Living
Coronavirus updates are in the media every day, but mixed messages make it hard to understand the truth.
The Artis Safety Council, in partnership with Johns Hopkins physicians, continues to meet regularly, going directly to the source, which enables us to make decisions based on the most up-to-date science and research.
Join Artis’ team of experts as they share the most recent information about vaccine data, distribution and safety concerns.
The council provides guidance in regard to the latest science of dealing with the new virus, along with proactively looking ahead at other potential community health issues that could arise, to have an industry-leading approach to safety and resident care. Artis Senior Living is thrilled to partner with leading experts in epidemiology, gerontology and Memory Care to help ensure the health and safety of our communities.
Amanda Howell, MS, MPH, owner of Howell Health Consulting LLC and a Certified Health Education Specialist (C), developed a series of COVID -19 Vaccine Information graphics that you can download explaining the COVID-19 vaccines, how they work and the differences between Pfizer and Moderna versions.