Home Care Providers Seek to Ease Coronavirus Anxieties

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As a key part of the health care continuum for America's seniors, home care providers are working to allay their clients' fears in the face of the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus-19.

"While the majority of home care clients are part of the population most vulnerable to the Coronavirus outbreak ? elderly people with underlying medical conditions ? the very nature of home care makes it the safest care environment during this uncertain time," said Emma Dickison, President of HCAOA.

"Care is delivered one-to-one, as opposed to a group environment, and our Caregivers are in the best position to observe any changes to a client's condition, as they combine for over 1 million hours of close personal care every day. Furthermore, data bears out that seniors who have an in-home Caregiver require 25% fewer doctor's visits and are less likely to require hospitalizations. Caregivers, especially in states where home care requires a license, are working under emergency protocols and can serve as effective triage for the health care system due to their proximity to and personal knowledge of their clients."

To help member organizations navigate the growing concern of COVID-19, the Home Care Association of America, which represents more than 3,000 home care agencies across the country, has urged its member organizations to have regular communications with their staff, clients and families.

"During times like these, useful information particularly on how our home care agencies are protecting clients as well as our workers, and preparing for emergencies, helps reduce anxiety" said Dickison. All of our home care agencies are encouraged to communicate routinely with clients and their families to let them know our emergency plans and what protocols we are following now to ensure the safety of client as well as our home care aides."

"As anyone deeply involved in personal and health care knows, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," said Dickison. "Families of individuals receiving care in their home are encouraged to contact their provider with any questions they may have in case of an emergency."

About HCAOA
Founded in 2002, the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) is the industry's leading trade association ? currently representing nearly 3,000 companies that employ more than 500,000 caregivers across the United States. HCAOA serves as the home care industry's unified voice. Representing a diverse number of small, mid-level and large corporations, HCAOA unites the industry through speaking with one voice in Washington, D.C. and state capitals across the country. HCAOA protects industry interests, promotes industry values, tackles barriers to growth and takes on industry-wide issues.

SOURCE Home Care Association of America