Update: August 14, 2020
As Portland’s go-to referral resource for independent caregivers, the health and safety of all concerned is our top priority. The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate—it is a danger to seniors and young folk alike, and we are grateful to our team of caregivers that they are taking every necessary precaution to prevent the further spread of this virus. Since the caregivers we refer are not our employees, we don’t set rules requiring that they wear face masks or avoid large gatherings, yet they usually do these things voluntarily.
It is our caregivers’ utmost priority to protect their clients, and precautions such as frequent handwashing, and not working while sick, are already part of their usual caregiving routine. Our caregiver registry has had no known positive cases within our client base or our pool of active caregivers.
We recognize that the COVID-19 virus is likely to be present around the country for a very long time, and we encourage both our clients and our caregivers to talk about it! We are all in this together, and hope to overcome this pandemic through good communication, mindfulness (did I remember to bring my mask today?), responsibility and general compassion for others.
Our office is no longer sending regular COVID-19 updates to our team, but you may read correspondence from early 2020 below, and you may wish to subscribe to the Oregon Health Authority for their regular updates.
Thank you,
Caregiver Connection
Update: June 8, 2020
Hi Caregivers,
We hope you have all been staying safe and healthy. As we are sure you have noticed, the country has slowly been working towards returning to some degree of normalcy. While we are starting to get things more under control, we aren't out of the woods yet.
To reopen as safely as possible, Oregon has adopted a 3-phase plan. Currently, many counties are entering into that first phase.
Gov. Brown’s Stay Home Executive Order is still in effect for Multnomah County, which covers much of our city. Given the dense population size and the number of COVID-19 cases (currently more than 1,400 in the tri-county), the Portland Metro-area may see a much longer road to Phase 1 reopening.
According to officials, Multnomah County is looking to finish its application to enter into Phase 1 by June 12. That date is only an estimate. Washington and Clackamas County are currently in Phase 1.
In order to enter Phase 1 of reopening, Oregon counties must:
See a decline in COVID-19 prevalence for at least 14 days
Must conduct at least 30 tests per 10,000 people per week, with accessibility for underserved communities
Have the ability to conduct contact tracing
Must have isolation/quarantine facilities
Finalize statewide sector guidelines
Have sufficient healthcare capacity
Have sufficient personal protective equipment supply
So what exactly does “Phase 1” mean?
Restaurants and bars may open for sit-down service, but only with appropriate physical distancing measures in place, and face masks are to be worn by employees.
Personal services including salons, barber shops, and gyms may open with limits on the number of occupants. Salons must follow appointment only procedures and must screen customers at the door with temperature checks, logging every customer to allow for contract tracing by health departments if needed.
Retail businesses and shops can open using proper physical distancing etiquette laid out by the Oregon Health Authority.
Social gatherings can increase to 25 with physical distancing measures in place.
As of May 15, standalone furniture stores, art galleries, jewelry shops, and boutiques across Oregon were allowed to reopen if they can adhere to physical distancing guidelines.
What can we do as individuals to stop the spread?
You should continue to wear cloth, paper, or disposable face coverings when out in public, as well practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face.
Stay home if you are sick or displaying symptoms of illness.
Avoid gatherings larger than 10 people. For gatherings under 10 people, maintain the 6 foot social distancing rule.
Travel locally. Please stick to parks and services within your local area (50 mile radius). Visiting a distant park can put a community’s limited resources at risk and make you less prepared for unexpected closures. Land managers recommend avoiding the more popular sites and peak hours.
For more information, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website.
Although we can still say that none of our active caregivers or clients have been known to have the virus, this pandemic has affected us all, and our active caregivers have been doing double-duty. Your work is greatly appreciated.
Those of you who have been taking time off, new clients are hoping you’ll be ready to cautiously come back to help them soon. If you are watching the number of positive cases in Oregon, remember that testing has increased drastically. Although you may not be seeing a “decrease” in those numbers, know that contact tracing is actively happening, and our state is doing even better at limiting the spread.
Our thoughts are with you as you continue to work bravely, caring for those in need.
With appreciation,
Micki, Jennifer, and April
Update: May 1, 2020
Howdy Caregivers!
Thank you for keeping up the good work of caring for and protecting your clients, and yourselves. Working during this pandemic has not been easy, we know.
A friendly reminder about a few things:
Unemployment
Although some of you have been off of work from your clients due to the Novel Corona Virus, as an independent caregiver, unless you have been payrolled as employees of your client(s), you are NOT eligible for unemployment benefits, even under the new COVID-19 expansion.
Remember that caregivers, nannies and other domestic workers who are directly hired by families are not classified as independent contractors, self-employed or gig economy workers, under the both the OR and federal tax codes. ONLY if you have been payrolled by your clients as employees (and then laid off), would you be eligible. Even if you and your client have agreed, formally or informally, that you are 'self-employed' or an 'independent contractor,' that is NOT how the tax codes classifies caregivers (and thus, their eligibility for UI benefits). Please do not file for unemployment unless you have been payrolled by the client! It can create a hassle for you, your client and our office. If, on the other hand, you HAVE been payrolled as the employee of your client(s), you may be eligible.
Also, Caregiver Connection is NOT your employer, so you would also not qualify for unemployment benefits from the registry.
COVID-19 testing for caregivers
We wish we could be telling you that testing is available, but it is not. We spent a few hours today researching this, and even though you are technically “frontline workers,” doing “essential” work, there is no way for ANYONE to get tested unless they are showing obvious symptoms.
We spoke with a representative at the OHA Public Health Division about this. We were told that because the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus are mild for most people, the true reason behind testing is to track the potential spread. This means, they test just so that they can do “contact tracing.” If they find person A tests positive, they need to be able to track any people B, C, D, etc. who might have come in contact with that person, and then any people whom they may have spread it to. This helps them to focus on the more vulnerable people, who have pre-existing conditions and less healthy immune systems.
If my client is showing COVID-19 symptoms, where do we go?
There are 2 local mobile testing sites that we know of- one at the Expo Center, and one at the Hillsboro Stadium (both open M-Sat, noon-6p). We got this info from calling 211, which was super easy to do. (We also found it on the OHSU website, and you can all do your own research.) But you MUST be showing symptoms, or to have actually touched someone who already tested positive, in order to be accepted.
Masks
Yes, keep wearing them! Scroll down to see our 4/2/20 email update for face mask resources if you do not have one, or call our office.
Lifting restrictions
Yes, we all want to go back to our normal ways, but that freedom is not in sight. Intelligent sources are telling us that we may need to stay socially distant for a very long time in order to prevent a NEW surge in cases. Oregon has done a great job with prevention of the spread around our communities and must keep doing so. Video interviews with your clients…get used to it. Wearing PPE around your confused, frightened Alzheimer’s client, and getting him/her to keep a mask on, too…get used to it. We can still care for our clients; we just have to do things a little differently. Governor Brown has only lifted ONE restriction so far: hospitals may now go back to doing elective surgeries. That’s IT. Continue following her Sheltering in Place guidelines as much as possible.
Senior Loneliness Line
Oregon has a Senior Loneliness Line, which may be helpful for many of our clients. Please suggest it to them:
Senior Loneliness Line
503-200-1633
website: seniorlonelinessline.org
Remember:
Frequent hand washing.
Limit touching your eyes, nose, mouth.
Wear your masks when in close contact with others, if possible.
Try to stay 6 feet or more from others, if possible.
Frequent hand washing. (Did we say that already? DO IT.)
Best wishes to all of you, your clients, and your loved ones.
With appreciation,
Micki, Jennifer, and April
Update: April 10, 2020
Dear Caregivers,
Today’s update about the COVID-19 virus is sort of a bleak pep talk. You are all doing great. Keep at it!
On March 23rd, Governor Kate Brown issued her “Stay Home-Save Lives” order for all of Oregon. This order has not yet been lifted.
We ask you: please, do not let your guard down just because the sun is out.
It’s not in the news, but we’ve seen data showing that the COVID-19 virus is present at 100 assisted living communities around our entire state (out of 650 which exist). Two of our caregivers were cut this week from their client at an ALF because a couple upstairs had tested positive for the virus.
Last week we issued an update regarding wearing masks: recommending that you wear one when out and about, and in the presence of your clients.
We stand by that: Yes, you SHOULD wear a face mask.
We have all heard how hard it is to get tested- simply showing symptoms does not seem to be a valid reason for a test. That will change, but it is going to take time. Although testing is limited, we are still tracking the numbers of positive cases: they are NOT decreasing.
Below is a little reminder of the Oregon positive case status, sourced this from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) bulletins we receive daily (sign up here). Each day they release the amount of NEW cases, and NEW virus-related deaths. You will see that there does not seem to be a clear curve one way or the other. People are still contracting it. Asymptomatic people continue to spread it around. People are still dying.
It is not yet time to run out and shake hands with everyone.
It is not yet time to let your guard down.
We know that many of you are already quite worried and do not need a reminder. More information about how to deal with the stress and anxiety you may be feeling can be found here.
There was a mental health crisis helpline to call but we tested it and after 45 minutes on hold, we decided “not worth it.” If you know of a free service that anyone can call, please let us know.
We are not aware of any of Caregiver Connection’s caregivers or clients having a current active infection of the COVID-19 virus. We are not accepting clients who have tested positive for it or appear to be symptomatic.
Please help us all by continuing to follow these guidelines:
frequent hand washing
wearing a face mask while near other people
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (and your client’s, if possible)
limiting risk by staying inside…no non-essential outings!
frequent sanitizing of common-touch areas, such as doorknobs
Our apologies for the bleak update, but this is our new reality. Please call our office if you have any questions. We are here for you.
With gratitude & respect,
Micki, Jennifer, and April
Update: April 2, 2020
Dear Caregivers,
Thank you again for all your patience and hard work during this challenging time. We know that the pandemic is impacting all of you in a variety of ways.
Hopefully, you are now receiving daily updates from Oregon Health Authority as we have previously recommended. If not, here is a link to the OHA site. Enter your email address in the box at the top of the page to sign up for these.
Today’s update for our caregivers:
Recent evidence has come to light regarding the hotly debated topic of mask efficacy against COVID-19 contraction and transmission.
The general consensus is now that wearing masks does protect against both transmission and contraction. This announcement is to address different kinds of masks and PPE, what should be used and when, as well as addressing our nationwide shortage of PPE.
Which masks work?
There is building evidence to show that even fabric, homemade masks provide more protection than nothing at all. It's important to remember how COVID-19 is transmitted. Most COVID-19 particles cannot transmit further than 6 feet after exiting a human via droplets. Powerful sneezes and productive coughs can extend that to up to 27 feet. This is why social distancing is the first and foremost line of defense and masks should NOT be used as a substitute. Wearing a fabric/homemade mask is recommended when you need to make essential trips into the public, such as to a grocery store or gas station. You should still maintain 6 feet from others whenever possible. Wearing a mask will provide supplemental protection when you have to go out in public.
Therefore, fabric/homemade masks are sufficient for day-to-day activity outside the home. Homemade fabric face masks can be laundered for disinfecting.
This graph below shows how much protection each type of mask offers against particles in the size range of COVID-19.
Therefore, fabric/homemade masks
are sufficient for day-to-day activity
outside the home.
What about the shortage?
We understand that masks are in short supply right now. The CDC has adopted strategies for reusing surgical (pleated) masks:
The facemask should be removed and discarded if soiled, damaged, or hard to breathe through.
HCP must take care not to touch their facemask. If they touch or adjust their facemask they must immediately perform hand hygiene.
HCP should leave the patient care area if they need to remove the facemask.
Restrict facemasks to use by HCP, rather than patients for source control. Have patients with symptoms of respiratory infection use tissues or other barriers to cover their mouth and nose.
Facemasks should be carefully folded so that the outer surface is held inward and against itself to reduce contact with the outer surface during storage. The folded mask can be stored between uses in a clean sealable paper bag or breathable container.
Surgical masks should be used only when forced to come into close contact with another person outside of your immediate household, such as when caring for your clients.
N-95 masks should be used by healthcare providers in direct contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, as these HCPs are at a significantly increased risk from any other demographic. N-95 use outside of these direct contact situations are considered excessive relative to exposure risk.
So where do we get masks?
Here are some sources for cloth masks:
Etsy is a good source. Some of the ones we found there are quite fashionable, and we saw one that had an option for disposable filter inserts which could be acquired through Amazon.
One of our own registry members, Cassie, has a fabric mask production business. She can be emailed directly for mask orders or questions here. You can visit the mask subsection of Cassie’s website.
She’s not the only one! You may also reach out via email to fellow caregiver Lizzy, who is also making masks.
Make the masks yourself: several good tutorials, videos, and easy instructions are available on this page of the Joann Fabrics website. This is useful if you already know how to sew and have a sewing machine.
Other local Portland companies are joining together to produce masks. You could do a web search of your own. Or, if you are a user, there is even a Portland Facebook Group for masks!
Caution on mask scams:
Yes, there are fraudulent manufacturers out there. When the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) becomes aware of counterfeit respirators or those misrepresenting NIOSH approval on the market, these respirators are posted on the Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval webpage to alert users, purchasers, and manufacturers. You can follow that link to find out more about it, if curious. Another good source for information about masks and PPE in general is available here on the same site.
Use of gloves, goggles, face shields…are they necessary?
These additional PPE are recommended only for those who are forced to have direct physical contact with sick individuals. Gloves should be used in the same way you would when caring for your clients normally. Your skin is a natural viral barrier and skin contact alone will not put you at risk of contraction. COVID-19 droplets can transmit to others by absorbing through eyes. If you are caring for a sick person, goggles are recommended. Clothing should be removed and laundered when you complete your shift. Wash any skin exposed when you complete your shift. This will prevent you transmitting any possible droplets from your skin/clothes to other areas of your home. Again, gloves, goggles, face shields are only necessary if caring for someone with the virus. We are not aware of any of our clients currently infected.
Proper and frequent handwashing
is still the #1 way to prevent transmission
from hands in daily activities.
Disinfecting your N95 masks for reuse, if you have them:
Studies show that N95 respirator masks can be disinfected for reuse if necessary. Standard use of these masks suggest using for 8 hours before changing. You can disinfect your mask between uses by placing your mask in a glass baking dish in an oven preheated to 167 degrees Fahrenheit and "baking" for 30 minutes. Allow the mask to come to room temperature. It is now ready for reuse. This can be done for up to 20 uses with no significant decrease in protection. It is not recommended to use an alcohol-based or bleach-based sanitizing solution on your mask, which will drastically decrease filtration efficiency.
At this time—April 2, 2020—Caregiver Connection does not have any clients or caregivers who are known to have the COVID-19 virus or have come in contact with it. We do not intend to accept any new incoming clients who have it. Please continue to do your part by contacting our office immediately if you or one of your clients may be showing signs.
With appreciation,
Micki, Jennifer, and April
March 26, 2020
Hi Caregivers,
In light of the outbreak of this novel corona virus (COVID-19), many of you may have some concerns about how this will impact your health and safety during providing in-home care to your clients, as well as their own health and safety. There is currently a lot of information circulating around this, some of it conflicting. We have been researching here in the office as well and would like to share our findings with you so that you can provide care in a way that is safe to yourselves and your clients.
As you may have heard, COVID-19 poses the greatest threat to the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Most of you do not meet this demographic personally, but your clients obviously do. Therefore, clients are actually at the greatest risk if they do catch it. Obviously, we want everyone to do their part in preventing spread. There are clear steps to take in this that you should implement in your day to day interactions both during caregiving and in living your daily lives.
Caring for clients with no COVID-19 symptoms
Follow this link for general in-home care guidelines for all clients who are NOT showing symptoms of the COVID-19 Virus:
Caring for clients showing possible COVID-19 symptoms
Currently, none of our clients or caregivers are known to have the virus. If you end up caring for someone who does, follow the protocols of their health care provider. Please contact our office right away to discuss. Some helpful hints can be found here.
Caring for yourself
Also, Caregivers, while not providing in-home care, the following precautions should be implemented:
Calling your doctor if you are sick.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an antiseptic hand gel.
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow rather than your hand. Throw the tissue away.
Cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces with household cleaning sprays and wipes.
Avoiding crowded areas and sick people.
Practicing social distancing when you can. Keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people.
Staying home if you are sick.
Avoiding cruise and non-essential air travel when possible.
Wearing a face mask: there is building evidence to show that even fabric, homemade masks provide more protection than nothing at all.
Medical mask best practices
If medical masks are worn, appropriate use and disposal is essential to ensure they are effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use and disposal of masks. The following information on correct use of medical masks derives from the practices in health-care settings:
Place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimize any gaps between the face and the mask.
While in use, avoid touching the mask.
Remove the mask by using appropriate technique (i.e. do not touch the front but remove the lace from behind).
After removal or whenever you inadvertently touch a used mask, clean hands by using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water if visibly soiled.
Replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid.
There is building evidence to show that even fabric, homemade masks provide more protection than nothing at all.
Sanitizing alternatives
Also helpful, if rubbing alcohol or antiseptic hand gel cannot be acquired, use these Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Fighting Products
The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) has compiled a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This product list is not exhaustive but can be used by business owners, health professionals, and the public to identify products suitable for use during the COVID-19. The list can be found by clicking here.
More information
More information can be found by visiting the Center For Disease Control website.
And we must remember that, like every virus, this will eventually pass. If everyone does their part to practice diligent hygiene habits, cleaning, and social distancing, we can end the outbreak faster, together.
Please continue to follow normal Universal Precautions regarding frequent handwashing and minimizing physical contact with others. Right now, our clients are looking for caregivers who have no other clients, and you would probably want the same thing. Please be open and honest about your own daily activities and continue following WHO and OHA guidelines.
Please call our office if you or your client may potentially be symptomatic with COVID-19.
Thank you,
Micki, Jennifer, and April
