2020-10-24_sdaoust_HCA COVID-19 caregiver protocol Oct 2020.docx

Protocol for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19

Change into your work clothes once you arrive at the client’s home and place your travel clothes into a plastic bag. Change back out of your work clothes at the end of your shift.

HCA will provide you with a reusable protective visor. It must be worn at all times when working.

Home Care Assistance provides a reusable face shield that is to be worn with disposable mask at all times when working. Disposable gloves must also to be worn.  Be sure to properly disinfect your mask at the end of each shift so that it is clean for your next shift. Disposable face masks and disposable gloves are not to be reused.

Practice frequent hand hygiene.

Hands should be washed for minimum 20 to 30 seconds with warm water and soap.

Hands should be washed upon arrival to a client’s home, before starting a shift.

Hands should be washed before and after toileting, meal preparation and housekeeping tasks.

Use disposable paper towels to dry hands following hand washing.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Use a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. These tissues help to contain any respiratory or oral secretions. Dispose of the tissue immediately.

Follow public health guidelines regarding visitors to the client’s home.

Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (bedside tables, bedframe, kitchen areas, doorknobs, etc.) daily.

Clean and disinfect all bathroom areas at least once a day with a disinfectant household solution.

Practice proper social distancing practices.

All gloves, masks and any other waste generated should be promptly placed in a waste bin with a lid.

No sharing of food, utensils, towels or linens.

Advise HCA if you have recently travelled or if you have come into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Advise HCA if you have been tested (or have been asked to be tested) for COVID-19. Report your results promptly.

If you or your client are feeling unwell, or have any respiratory symptoms, please report it to a Care Manager at Home Care Assistance immediately.

Prevention is key! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact. 514-907-5065.