COVID-19 Home Care Resource Center

Helping Home Care Providers Accelerate their Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Smartcare Software is working hard to help home care agencies keep their staff, caregivers, and the clients and families they care for safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Smartcare was founded on the notion that we have a duty to our parents, grandparents and all members of older generations to ensure that they age with dignity with healthcare that meets their needs, provides comfort, safety, convenience and the best experience possible.

Our mission is the foundation of everything that we do at Smartcare. In the face of this global emergency we are committed to providing information, resources and direct support for our customers and the entire home care community.

MORE ABOUT COVID19 TOOLSET

Follow healthy habits

Share with and remind your caregivers, office staff and client’s of the common sense healthy habits they should follow to help protect them from any sickness. The CDC still advocates that the most effective way to avoid transmitting sicknesses is through effective hand washing.

CDC has recommendations for infection control habits

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
No soap and water – use a 60% alcohol hand sanitizer. Rub them together until they feel dry
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid all non-essential travel
Stay-at-home except to get medical care, food, or emergency care
Feeling sick, call first before visiting your doctor

Stay informed and keep your staff, caregivers and their families safe

Continue to monitor and stay informed with highly trusted official sources of news on COVID-19. Sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), The National Association for Home Care NAHC coronavirus resource page and your local health departments.

Be visible even when virtual

During this time when many of us are working out of our remote offices we can easily forget to check in with our staff and care teams. Be visible to your caregivers, team members, clients and other stakeholders virtually. Reach out regularly with individual calls, group messages and updates. Your caregivers and back-office team look to you to inspire confidence that what they are doing matters and that you are there to support them. Communicating with them honestly, openly and transparently will build their confidence and increase their trust in you.

Be virtually visible
Share safety protocols
Communicate openly and honestly
Monitor and share changing COVID-19 guidelines
Celebrate the wins and successes
Listen to your team

Train your caregivers on COVID-19

Educate your caregivers on COVID-19 to help them better understand how to protect their clients and themselves.

Coronavirus Training for Caregivers

CDC COVID-19 Self-checker

CDC COVID-19 Guidance on Managing Anxiety & Stress

Develop a list of home care provider FAQs

Your staff, caregivers, clients and their families all have questions. Some may be asking you and your care team directly, while others are just thinking about them. Be proactive and prepare a list of questions and responses for caregivers, clients and their families. Share the client FAQs with your staff and care team so they are prepared to answer and support your COVID-19 communication plan.

Here is a start:

Q: Can we secure additional care for our loved one?

Q: How are your protecting our family member under your care?

Q: How are you keeping your caregivers safe?

Other COVID-19 resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance

CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Overview

Information for Healthcare Professionals

Interim Guidance for Public Health Personnel Evaluating Persons Under Investigation and Asymptomatic Close Contacts of Confirmed Cases

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings

Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease

Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE