A MESSAGE ABOUT COVID-19

At Living Spring Services, our utmost priority is always the health and safety of our clients, their families, and our employees.

Due to the risk of a group setting, you may be considering discharging your loved one from a senior care community to be cared for at home. We are here and ready to help.

As expert in the senior care industry, we can offer valuable insights into the best way to care for your loved one through this stressful time. Living Spring Services caregivers are available to provide immediate care and support to our senior community and their families. Contact us now.
​Best practices for hygiene and safety during the Coronavirus outbreak have been reinforced with all Living Spring Services employees.

Living Spring Services would like to take a moment to recognize the daily efforts of our caregivers, who are truly the lifeblood of our agency. We share our heartfelt thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty and for helping us to keep seniors vibrant, safe, and healthy at home!

OUR CAREGIVERS ARE OUR HEROS AND WE SAY THANK YOU!!!

What do we know?
Early information confirms that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

If a Coronavirus outbreak does happen in your community, it could last for a long time. Because of many clients’ age and/or their health situations, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

• Mental health is at the top of mind for many seniors and their loved ones. It is important to remember to include those that are in isolation in holiday plans – whether that is safe, socially-distanced visits, letters and cards, video calls or scheduled time on the phone.
• Those in the same household can participate in traditional holiday activities together. While outdoor events and small groups are considered lower risk activities, it is still not recommended that seniors or high-risk adults attend gatherings with those that live outside of their own home.
• Family and friends that can’t be together should consider adding virtual events to their holiday season. This can include sharing dinner together on a video call, doing a recipe exchange by email, Black Friday shopping online or a virtual game night.
• Anyone participating in high-risk activities or with direct exposure to someone with Coronavirus should avoid in-person visits with loved ones until completing a 14-day quarantine.
• Practice basic infection control protocols. This includes:
  1. Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and washing hands.
  2. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, telephones, TV remotes, doorknobs, faucet handles, steering wheels, counters and tabletops.
  3. Wash hands often and avoid touching your mouth, nose or face with unclean hands.
• Eat well, drink lots of water and get rest to keep your immune system healthy.
• Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and back-up support.
• If you have underlying medical issues that put you in the high-risk category, avoid large public gatherings or other places outside the home. Limit your contact with others. Maintain distance of six feet from others where possible.

While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, a small percentage of cases become severe and may progress quickly, particularly in the elderly and among people with underlying medical conditions. For those that receive in-home care, or have a loved one that needs a caregiver, we understand you may have concerns.

• We are following updates and procedures from the CDC, State Department of Health, local and county authorities, the Home Care Association of America, and other agencies and resources. 
• Prior to each care visit, our recommended protocol is that our office complete a certification for all caregivers and clients to reduce the risk of illness. This certification confirms that all parties are complying with CDC guidance for safety and have not been in any high-risk exposure situations. This allows Living Spring Services to work together with families, seniors and caregivers to create the healthiest environment.
  
•  Our staff is trained in infectious disease control.  
• It is our recommended protocol that all caregivers wear masks.
• Our staff follows hygiene procedures directed by the CDC, including vigorous and frequent hand-washing with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels (with 70% alcohol level or higher), use of disinfectant wipes to frequently wipe down surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, disposal of any items that may have virus or bacteria, and much more.
• If any of our staff or clients should show signs of COVID-19, we will report, isolate and quarantine, as necessary, abiding by national and local guidelines.

• Providing respite care for family members
• Shopping for groceries and running errands
• Companionship to combat social isolation
• Assistance with technology to connect with loved ones
• Help cleaning and disinfecting their home
• Personal care to assist those with more advanced care needs

We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are proud to be providing these essential services to older adults and their families. If you need support or advice, please reach out to us. Every client receives an individualized care plan that details their specific needs, and we can customize our services accordingly.

As new information becomes available, we will continue to provide resources and information. For the latest information from the CDC regarding the COVID-19 Coronavirus: