A MESSAGE FROM ASSISTING HANDS OWNER STEVE LORBERBAUM

To our Clients, Families and Caregivers

We would like to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our clients and caregivers are our top priority. We continue to care for our clients and enroll new clients in need of our assistance.

We are continuously monitoring and responding to the on-going outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). We want to make sure you are aware of what measures Assisting Hands is taking to continually assure that you stay healthy and safe during this unprecedented time. We are tracking all our client’s families and our caregivers to see if they or a family member have traveled in the last 14 days. If so, we are handling this on a case by case basis based on travel locations. Also, we are tracking to see if they or any family members have any symptoms of being sick at all (not just limited to respiratory symptoms).  If a caregiver reports ANY symptom of being sick, they will be asked to stay home while we evaluate their signs and symptoms.  We are also tracking to see our caregivers work in other facilities, and/ or hospitals, and monitoring those facilities for any mass outbreaks.

We are encouraging our caregivers to continue to self-monitor by taking their temperature before they go into your homes. Caregivers are also being diligent about hand washing before every shift and throughout their shifts while caring for you. We have a limited number of masks and are deploying them where necessary.

We are striving for preparedness, early identification, and notification. We understand that these are uncertain times and want you to know you are our top priority.  We continue to monitor and listen to authorities and work closely with the health care facilities in which we have clients to prepare for our next steps.

Rest assured that we will continue to work hard to deliver the excellence in home care that our clients know to expect from us.

The best way you can support your family and our staff is to be vigilant about your own personal health. If you have any questions, please call us at 301-363-2580.  We also encourage you to visit CDC.gov for the latest information.

Beyond the subject of Covid-19, we’ve also included a podcast here, recorded during an interview with the Hospital Warrior: Advocates and Experts. This information concerns the question: Is aging in place right for you? We provide advice on making the complex decision.

 

Thank you, 

Steve and Cathy Lorberbaum and Ellen Hughes Owners of Assisting Hands Home Care serving Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA.

The situation across the country continues to change, so keep checking back to the CDC’s website for updated information regarding the virus, prevention, and any restrictions that are being put in place to ensure citizens’ safety.

It is important to remember that older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions that weaken the immune system are at a higher risk of contracting a serious version of the Coronavirus and should take additional precautions.

If you are among the group of adults at higher risk, the CDC recommends taking the following steps to help prevent illness:

• Be mindful of your medications.
• Get extra medications that you might need or consider mail-order medications.
• Stock up on over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, and other medical supplies (such as tissues).
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• Avoid touching high-touch surfaces, and if you must touch them (elevator buttons, door handles, etc.) cover your hand with your sleeve or a glove.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs (don’t forget all frequently touched surfaces like handles, remotes, computers, etc.).
• Keep away from others who are sick when going out in public, and wash your hands frequently.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water; dry with a clean, fresh rag or paper towels.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and any non-essential air travel
• Stay home as much as possible during a COVID-19 outbreak in your community to further reduce your risk of being exposed to the virus.
• Consider grocery delivery or asking your friends or family for help getting necessary items instead of going to the store.

Stay on Top of Any Signs & Symptoms

By staying on top of how you’re feeling, you can potentially prevent the virus from getting to a dangerous point by receiving medical help early.

The CDC’s list of signs and symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor by phone immediately.

If you develop any of these emergency warning signs, access medical care immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

If you develop any of the above symptoms or other new or concerning symptoms, contact your medical provider right away.

What to Do if You Get Sick

• Have a plan.
• Stay home and call your doctor and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you will be able to recover at home. If this is the case, follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to take care of yourself at home.
• Know when to get emergency help.
• Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency signs and symptoms listed above.