WV Caring takes all the necessary steps to ensure both our client’s and staff’s health is a priority. With our hands-on care and personal assistance, we understand how important it is to take extra precautions when it comes to health and safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please, take a minute to learn how WV Caring is continuing to care for our patients during this time.
WE TRAINED OUR STAFF ON COVID-19
The entire organization took internal training on COVID-19 in preparation for the pandemic. We expanded on the Pandemic Emergency Preparedness Plan ensuring our readiness through continued education for COVID-19. On March 9th, WV Caring activated the Pandemic Emergency Preparedness Plan before there were any cases in WV.
We’ve been preparing for the virus since January by incorporating:
- Precautionary measures for protecting its staff and patients from the spread of this infectious disease
- More education and training with our patients and caregivers
- Daily updates and open communication
All staff regardless of their position has been educated, trained and had to pass a written test about the coronavirus. Every day before reporting to work, every WV Caring employee must pass a self-reporting test that identifies symptoms and other conditions. If anyone has any of the symptoms or may have had contact with someone, then they are unable to work and must isolate themselves for the appropriate period.
Together, the WV Caring team finished our annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training at the beginning of the year. From HIPAA compliance, worker safety to chemical safety and more; a variety of topics were covered in this extensive training program.
Additionally, WV Caring continues to provide 24/7 clinical care and support for all our patients and families. WV Caring’s clinical staff includes infection control and prevention education to our patients, caregivers and families.
The patient screening tool was implemented on March 12th. Also, in March we implemented our TeleCaring program again. In addition to the scheduled visits, every patient is called every morning to check in on their status, see if they need anything like an extra visit, supplies or refills. This provides an extra layer of care and reassures our patients and families that we’re here and a phone call away.
WE ARE PREPARED WHEN GOING TO OUR PATIENT’S HOME
WV Caring guarantees to implement the learnings and training once our staff enters a patient’s home. We ensure safety and caution through our team having:
- Cloth that goes over top shoes
- Sanitized clothing
- Additional cleanliness with all items being brought into the house like a computer
- Sanitized hands always
WV Caring wants to protect our patients, families, staff, volunteers and loved ones as much as possible. That’s why we go above and beyond to extend care while minimizing risks.
Additionally, WV Caring mandated that all indirect operational staff work from home. The clinical staff is working as usual from their home offices. Several weeks ago, all events through May were canceled. Our WV Caring Resale Shops were closed before the essential business order was in effect. This will continue until the stay-at-home order is rescinded.
If you are interested in learning more about the steps that you, personally, can take to care for the elderly during this time, please click here.
WE LEND A HELPING HAND TO OUR COMMUNITY
The WV Caring volunteers made 400+ face masks for its caregivers, patients and family members to put forth effort on reducing the spread of COVID-19. Kim Riley took the initiative to lead the project. Riley knew the need for masks was going to increase and wanted to help the community.
“Kim figured out what we needed to do, what we needed to have to make them and then, we got the volunteers together,” said Cindy Woodyard, vice president of public affairs and access for WV Caring.
Learn more about our community involvement efforts here.
WE PUT OUR PATIENTS FIRST WITH CARE | WV CARING
WV Caring continues to take preventive and precautionary measures to protect our patients, families, staff and volunteers against COVID-19. We understand that our hospice patients are particularly more prone due to their advanced illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and other health conditions.
If your loved one is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or living with one, hospice is a good option at this time. It would provide that extra layer of care and support now when it’s needed most. Hospice includes:
- Medical care from nurses and personal care by your certified nursing aide
- Social workers to help with emotional and financial difficulties
- Pain and symptom management to make the patient feel comfortable
- Medical equipment, medications, supplies needed about the illness
- Trained volunteers
- Spiritual care for the patient and family members
- Grief and loss counseling during and after the patient died for one year
WV Caring is following the appropriate guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The organization has implemented the Emergency Preparedness Plan for pandemic management and will continue to follow through the end of this situation.
WV Caring dedicates itself to the health and safety of all our patients, families, staff and volunteers. If you have questions about how to care for the elderly family member in your life, please let us know. Give us a call at 1-866-656-9790 or visit our website here.