Dedicated to Keeping You Safe at Home

FootPrints Home Care is dedicated to our senior population, and we have taken proactive measures during this difficult time to support our clients and families. We recommend that families review the information in this section when considering ways to provide care to aging loved ones to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

The staff and caregivers at FootPrints Home Care understand the seriousness of the Covid-19 threat, particularly to the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Our team has received training and ongoing updates related to: 

• Symptoms of Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus
• Handwashing techniques and safety protocols
• Warning signs of the virus
• Infection control including disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, shared items, and hands
• The requirement to report travel as recommended by state and federal health officials

Protecting Clients if a FootPrints Caregiver is Ill

Our policy is that a caregiver with any illness, even the common cold, should not be exposed to our clients. If our caregiver is diagnosed with Covid-19, we will not place that person with a client for at least 14 days from diagnosis or until cleared by their medical provider. Caregivers will also not be placed with clients if they:

• Have been in a facility where Covid-19 is active
• Have traveled to a location in the past two months on the CDC advisory list
• Have any symptoms of illness

Preventing the Spread of Covid-19

While there is more to learn about this virus, we know it’s a contagious respiratory illness, primarily spread by close contact with others. Thought to primarily spread by exposure to the droplets produced when an ill person coughs or sneezes, it can also be spread when a surface or object with the virus on it comes in contact with a person who then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Because this virus spreads easily, and a person may be infectious before showing symptoms, we must all try to maintain the social distance of six feet, be diligent about cleaning surfaces, and not touch our mouth, nose or eyes. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions ideally should wear masks when around others and limit their time away from their home, particularly avoiding areas that are crowded with other people.

How You Can Help

We must all help prevent the spread of the virus. Please following these safe practices:

• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially if you’ve been in a public place or have coughed, sneezed or blown your nose
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer
• Maintain social distance of six feet and avoid anyone who is ill
• Stay home and avoid groups of people
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you must leave your home
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you used a tissue, discard it, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Disinfect surfaces at least daily that are frequently touched, especially surfaces also touched by others such as faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, the toilet handle, etc. Antibacterial cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide and those with 60% or more alcohol will disinfect surfaces.

Taking Care of Each Other

Maintaining a positive attitude while we all work together during the Covid-19 virus is vital. We will get through this. In the meantime, postpone routine medical appointments only if needed; do be seen by your medical team when needed, just wear a mask and promptly follow the handwashing guidelines.

• Use telehealth or video visits with your medical team, and stay in touch with your friends and family with video calls as well
• Be sure to keep prescription medications refilled. Some pharmacies offer drive-up or delivery service of prescriptions now. Our caregivers can also help pick these up.