A Message to Our Clients Regarding COVID-19

During this harrowing time, we want all of our current and future clients to know that the staff of Tri-County Home Care of Florida (our nurses, home health aides, live-in caregivers, companions, and personal caregivers) is fully committed to keeping our clients and our team safe. We understand that our senior clients are at high risk if they are exposed to the COVID-19 virus, so strive to meet or exceed CDC guidelines to ensure every possible precaution is taken by our staff before, during and after every in-home care visit.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

Stay-at-home orders do not apply to our home health care workers providing non-elective procedures. We’re here and continuing to care for our patients each and every day.

Our patients have a variety of healthcare needs that don’t disappear during this pandemic. Many patients are minimizing trips to their doctor’s office or the hospital, but our patients may still need care – and recent rule clarifications may mean they’re eligible to get that care at home.

We have taken proactive measures during this difficult time to support our clients and families. We recommend that families take the following into account when considering ways to provide care to your loved ones and mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Our clinicians are trained for times like these. Home is often the safest place to receive needed care because there is less potential to be exposed to COVID-19 and other community infectious diseases. From skilled nursing and home health aides to physical, speech and occupational therapy, you may be able to receive the care you need in the comfort and convenience of home.

Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of liquids and exercise, if you are able, to help keep your immune system strong.

You May Now Be Eligible for Home Health

Patients must be “homebound” to be eligible for home health care. Recent government rule clarifications have expanded the definition of homebound during the public health emergency.

We’re well-equipped to provide high-quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic; if you have an urgent need, you can call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out if you may be eligible for home health, call us at 1.954.923.0695 for more information.

You may be eligible for home health care if:

  • Under the care of a physician who orders home health for you or your loved one and oversees plan of care;
  • Part-time or intermittent skilled care, such as nursing care, speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy is needed; and
  • Homebound, which now includes having a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or being at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 because:
  • You’re age 65+
  • You’re any age and have an underlying medical condition such as chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunosuppression, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or liver disease, among others.

Safety Precautions to Help Keep You and Your Family Safe

We’re well-equipped to provide high-quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We closely follow guidance from the CDC and public health resources to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We take extra safety precautions to help protect you and your family during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

  • Protective Equipment: All of our home care personnel wear appropriate protective equipment such as masks and gloves every time they interact with you. We also ask our patients and/or caregivers to wear masks during home visits.
  • Screenings: Before coming to your home, our caregivers will complete a daily self-assessment to check for symptoms of illness. We will also call you and ask about any symptoms of illness and exposure to others with COVID-19.
  • Education: We will provide you and your caregivers with education about proper hand hygiene, household infection control practices, how to monitor for symptoms should you need emergency help or further medical care, and more. 

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

The CDC lists several steps you can take to help protect yourself from COVID-19. We encourage you and your loved ones to take the following precautions before and following a care visit:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick by staying home as much as possible and keeping about 6 feet between yourself and others.
  • Cover mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Stay home when feeling sick.
  • Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.