Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Ella Stewart Care and our employees are committed to the health and safety of our clients and their families, and the Maryland communities in which we serve, during this public health crisis.
Older adults (age 60+) and those with preexisting medical conditions are at risk for serious illness if they become infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Because of this, our staff is continuously monitoring the outbreak and providing our caregivers with up-to-date precautions and recommendations by local, state, and national government agencies. As a small business in Baltimore, Ella Stewart Care has been honored to witness the dedication and commitment of its caregivers during this crisis.
Older adults (age 60+) and those with preexisting medical conditions are at risk for serious illness if they become infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Because of this, our staff is continuously monitoring the outbreak and providing our caregivers with up-to-date precautions and recommendations by local, state, and national government agencies. As a small business in Baltimore, Ella Stewart Care has been honored to witness the dedication and commitment of its caregivers during this crisis.
Caregiver Commitment:
Our certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are licensed and professionally trained to minimize infection risk in our clients. This includes frequent hand washing, wearing nitrile gloves, staying home when ill as well as following precautions when caring for acutely and terminally ill clients. As this outbreak has rapidly unfolded, our nurses and caregivers are firmly committed to doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As such, we are following the continually updated recommendations of the CDC and WHO, and we urge our clients and their families to do the same.
Special Trainings and Precautions:
Our agency initiated mandatory COVID-19 training for all caregivers through knowingmore.com. We have provided personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks as well as gowns to aides working in CCRCs, to our caregivers and families who are having trouble acquiring their own supplies.
In addition, our caregivers must answer COVID symptom screening questions regarding possible exposure and symptoms prior to each shift through a custom electronic reporting system. By implementing these new policies quickly, our nurses have had the added benefit of communicating daily with our aides and clients during the pandemic, and taking action when needed to ensure the safety and good health of both clients and staff.
In addition, our caregivers must answer COVID symptom screening questions regarding possible exposure and symptoms prior to each shift through a custom electronic reporting system. By implementing these new policies quickly, our nurses have had the added benefit of communicating daily with our aides and clients during the pandemic, and taking action when needed to ensure the safety and good health of both clients and staff.
Community Support:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened its telemedicine services for seniors in its strong effort to limit community transmission of COVID-19, and we urge our clients to take advantage of these services if they are feeling unwell. Also, we are here to help you and your loved ones stay safe and well-stocked during this uncertain time – do not hesitate to reach out to our Ella Stewart Care staff should you be in need of food and/or medical supplies!
Each of us has a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Guidelines include washing hands frequently, avoiding public spaces unless absolutely necessary, avoid touching your face, washing hands when coming home from public areas, and constantly disinfecting hard surfaces like cell phones, computers, remotes, tables, and counter tops.
Each of us has a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Guidelines include washing hands frequently, avoiding public spaces unless absolutely necessary, avoid touching your face, washing hands when coming home from public areas, and constantly disinfecting hard surfaces like cell phones, computers, remotes, tables, and counter tops.
Resources:
We encourage all of you to follow the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Department of Aging, and Governor Larry Hogan for the latest information and resources on COVID-19.
Stay safe and stay informed!
Stay safe and stay informed!
