Home Care and COVID-19; we’re here for you
In this current public health emergency, it’s reassuring to know that at Vytality at Home, we’re providing the same quality home care as we always have. We’re taking exceptional care of our current clients, and can also take on new clients looking for personal care and help in the familiar surroundings of their own home.
Homecare: an essential services
Professional home care is an essential service as listed by the Alberta government:
“Continuing care (long-term care, licensed supportive living, and home care)”
Our position as an essential service is vital to ourselves, our caregivers and our clients. We can continue to provide exceptional care, our caregivers can continue in a job they love, and our Calgary clients can relax knowing we will be there to provide homecare in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Health and safety guidelines
Our caregivers have always adhered to health and safety guidelines, and will continue to do so. We closely monitor changes to national, provincial and City guidelines, in order to protect the health of you, our clients, and our wonderful caregivers too. This includes guidance
“on the safe and effective use of personal protection equipment (PPE) in our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic”,
as the Alberta Health Services says.
PPE is the general term for any kind of protective equipment your caregiver may use, including the familiar plastic aprons and disposable gloves. Equally, they will be diligent in any cleaning or laundry requirements our clients may require, just as they do every time, to reduce any risk of infection.
Many of our client depend on us to enable them to remain living in their own home, at the level of care, help and companionship they require. As well as teaching caregivers the latest guidelines for health and safety, we also create a comprehensive care plan for each of our clients. Every caregiver follows this, and it can easily be adapted for changing needs and requirements. This ensures continuity of care, especially as each client can book a particular caregiver via the app.
Physical distancing
The new policy for physical distancing (social distancing) can seem very hard for seniors who are normally active, just as much as for those who lead a busy social life. With cafes, restaurants, community centres, bingo halls and more closed. Gatherings of more than 15 people are also banned.
At the time of writing, you can still go out, within the following guidelines:
- Keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
- Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands
- Try to shop at less busy times
- Order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
- Go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while maintaining distance from others
- Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
- Follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces
Our home caregivers will be happy to help you or your loved one to go outside for shopping and exercise, or help them with getting groceries, or to meet for friends for a chat (so long as the total number doesn’t exceed 15 people and each person is at least 2 metres from everyone else present).
Physical distancing the easy way!
At Vytality at Home, we know that seniors are more at risk from the coronavirus causing COVID-19. So, the more they can isolate themselves physically from others, the better, and that includes family who may be self-isolating due to sickness in their household.
However, this is where technology really can help! Family members with a computer, smart phone or tablet device can download our Vytality at Home app and use the messaging functions to talk direct to their loved one and their caregiver through the app, for instant updates and reassuring video chats! (We’ll discuss other options for video chats in a future article.) We also know that some seniors find technology a little confusing, and are much happier with a phonecall that involves pressing just one button or even picking up a receiver!
Helping Calgary and Canada through this health emergency
Every one of us has a part to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19. At Vytality at Home, we’re proud to be part of that effort too. Call us for more information on our bespoke homecare services, or to discuss your own requirements for assistance with living for longer in the comfort of your own home.
