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Coronavirus Recommendations for Seniors & FAQ


A message from Marina Ramirez, Owner and President of Assisting Hands Home Care – Palm Beach County

The coronavirus pandemic is a major concern in the U.S., and it is important for everyone to take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.  At Assisting Hands Home Care – Palm Beach County, we have been paying close attention to the coronavirus situation in our local community.  There have been many cases of coronavirus in the state of Florida, including Palm Beach County, and the number of cases increases every day.

The majority of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases involve mild symptoms including coughing and a fever, but the symptoms can be much more severe in some cases.  Elderly individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are the most vulnerable to severe symptoms which can include high fever, coughing, and trouble breathing.  We at Assisting Hands Home Care – Palm Beach County are committed to providing the senior citizens of our community with quality care and we want our clients and their families to know how we are responding to the threat of COVID-19 to protect your health and safety.

We are continuously getting updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the State Department of Health, and other local authorities to stay informed in the situation.  We recommend that all of our clients and their families also stay updated from the following resources:

Assisting Hands Home Care – Palm Beach County is taking the following actions to protect our clients and our families.  Our response and plans may be adjusted according to recommendations from the CDC, WHO, and other organizations.

  • We have put an emergency preparedness plan in place that we will follow throughout this crisis.
  • Our caregivers will stay home if they are sick or experiencing symptoms which is part of our standard protocol.
  • We have advised our caregivers who have traveled to areas with known COVID-19 outbreaks or who may have been exposed locally to avoid coming to work.
  • We are asking seniors to please stay in their homes and avoid outside contact as much as possible. Seniors who remain at home have a much lower risk of contracting the Coronavirus.  Our caregivers are ready to help provide the care you need at home while limiting your exposure to the outside.  Your caregivers can take care of important errands, so you do not need to leave your home.
  • We are working with assisted living facilities and group homes to follow their protocols so we can continue to provide care for our clients who live in these facilities.
  • We will remain vigilant to protect our clients who are especially at risk, including senior citizens and adults with underlying health issues.

Coronavirus FAQ

There is a lot of information out there about the Coronavirus and unfortunately, some of it may not be accurate.  This Coronavirus FAQ should answer many of your questions about COVID-19 with accurate information.

What is Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus is a recently discovered virus that causes a respiratory illness.  It is referred to as the novel Coronavirus because it was first discovered at the beginning of this outbreak.

Is COVID-19 in the Palm Beach County, FL area?

COVID-19 is present in several Florida communities and at the time of this writing (3/19/2020), there are 29 known cases in Palm Beach County.  This number is likely to increase in the coming days and weeks.

How does Coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus appears to be spreading from person to person and by community spread.  It is also possible, though less likely, to contract the disease by touching an affected surface then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Person to person spread appears to be caused by close contact with an affected individual or through respiratory droplets.  More is still being learned about how the virus spreads, consult the CDC for further information.

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus?

What should I do if I might have COVID-19

The main symptoms appear to be fever, cough, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing and these symptoms can be mild or severe.  In the most severe cases, patients can develop pneumonia in both lungs.

Is there a treatment or a vaccine for COVID-19?

At this time, there is no vaccine to protect from the Coronavirus.  There are no specific treatments either, but healthcare providers can treat and relieve the symptoms.

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

The following are the most effective ways to protect yourself from the virus:

  • Avoid contact with people who may be affected.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands.
  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Remain at home as much as you can and try to avoid going out.
  • Clean high touch surfaces and areas in your home.

What should I do if I might have COVID-19?

  • Do not leave your home unless you are going to receive medical care. If you have an appointment, call ahead to let your doctor know you might have COVID-19 so they can take the proper precautions.
  • Avoid people and animals as much as possible, even in your own home.
  • Wear a face mask when around other people in your home or at the doctor’s office. If you cannot wear a face mask due to trouble breathing, encourage others in your home to wear a face mask when around you.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately throw the tissue into a lined trash can. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Do not share personal household items with anyone including drinking glasses, towels, or bedding.
  • Wash your hands regularly and continue to use hand sanitizer.
  • Monitor your symptoms and call your doctor if they become worse. Your doctor will then advise you on what to do next.

Home Care from Assisting Hands Home Care

COVID-19 - Home care palm beach fl

At Assisting Hands Home Care – Palm Beach County, we will continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation in the Palm Beach, FL area and do what we can to keep our clients and their families protected.  If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (561) 566-5989.