March 19, 2020
Dear Clients and Families,
It has only been two weeks since I sent out my first set of recommendations to you and yet the information about the coronavirus is changing rapidly with new recommendations and restrictions coming out almost daily. I have spoken to many of you and we have put together a working plan. I know it can feel overwhelming, but let's do our best to continue our work together, focusing on what we can do and make adjustments as we see how things unfold. We can focus on supplies, safety and on good daily practices to address our emotional needs.
Here are my current recommendations:
1) Cancel all appointments that are not clinically critical if you haven't already. This means outings to medical appointments that can be rescheduled in the future as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or any other therapeutic appointments in the community at large. Cancel appointments for all types of services and therapists coming into your home.
2) Practice physical distancing from people: This means: do not gather with groups of people. If your loved one(s) requires structure and to be busy, let's work together to build a schedule of activities and to keep continuity of their schedule throughout the day. Stay socially engaged with family and friends via phone and other technology.
2) Continue to keep an inventory of your food, medications and cleaning supplies so that we can order and purchase what you need. We want to stay ahead of the need on this. We should review this weekly. The stores are re-filling their inventories. We will be able to obtain everything that is needed one way or the other. If you have caregivers in your home, they can help you with this task. Families can assist and Cindy Alves, my Administrative Associate can assist you with the management of this as well by tracking and ordering. Just let us know if you need this help.
3) Follow all CDC and State of MA recommendations for knowing signs and symptoms and best practices in keeping your home environment as germ free as possible.
Require all persons-family and caregivers coming into your home to do the following:
Take their temperature before coming. It should be within normal limits (97.7–99.5 °F)
Wash Hands: Immediately wash their hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use Purell. Any purses or bags coming into the home should be wiped down.
Disinfecting: All surfaces in the home needs to disinfected multiple times a day-door knobs, facets, counters, tables.
Learn about Cleaning and Disinfecting: view here
4) Physicians Instructions: If you have not received instructions from your primary care physician what to do if you or your family member feels ill, call their office today. Ask them what symptoms they want you to watch for and report and what actions should be taken.
5) Private Caregivers: The good news: Home care agencies are currently well staffed. All home care agencies have instructed their staff to report any symptoms. If your caregivers have any symptoms, they need to stay home. Please let me know if any of your staff call out. Home Care Agencies have instructed their staff how to care for their clients and keep the home clean.
6) Primary Caregivers: If you are a primary caregiver for a loved one and we have not put together your "plan B" please email me and let's set up a call. The more we can do ahead of time to plan, the better.
7) Self Care Practice and Ideas:
Stop watching the news. It tends to focus on the sensational and creates anxiety.
Take a walk outside if you can, breathe deeply and feel the fresh air. Exercise of any kind helps us feel more able to cope with stress and helps our immune system
Gratitude Journal: Each night before you go to sleep, try to write a few sentences that reflect something positive about your day: A moment with a loved one, an enjoyable activity...
Create a schedule for your day and try to stick to it. Going to bed at the same time, getting up at the same time, eating healthy foods, exercising. All these things will assist you in sleeping better. Getting good sleep assists mood and your immune system.
I am currently not making home visits, unless it is an emergency, and will be re-evaluating this each week. My phone will remain on 24/7 through this crisis. I am completely available by phone to problem solve, plan and support you in every way that I can. Let's individualize your plan and keep our conversations going. We can schedule a daily or weekly call and also communicate virtually through Facetime, Zoom and What's App video chat.
Talk with you all soon. Take good care.
With Warm Regards,
— Joan