Recently, healthcare workers are being worked extremely hard as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers are pulling long shifts with few breaks. Home healthcare workers who visit patients’ homes become more crucial as hospitals are at capacity and nursing homes remain on lockdown as a coronavirus safety measure. Challenges for home healthcare workers include spreading the virus and not having enough medical supplies to treat all of their patients.

Home healthcare workers strive to provide vital care to their patients and deserve the safety and peace of mind that only the Silent Beacon wearable panic button can provide with a one worker safety app.

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced home healthcare workers to change how they treat older adults and ill patients with coronavirus symptoms. The past president of the American Academy of Home Care Medicine, Dr. Eric De Jonge, explains that home healthcare workers have changed their way of taking care of patients from A to Z to avoid the coronavirus disease. Not only are home healthcare workers facing the threat of the coronavirus, but there is a nationwide shortage of medical supplies so the dangers associated with home healthcare are heightened. With the dangers associated with home healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic, it is extremely important to take extra precautions for home healthcare workers and maintain nurses safety during coronavirus treatment. 

What is the easiest way to stay safe as a home healthcare worker? The Silent Beacon personal safety device. Silent Beacon can be used to feel safe while giving back to the community. The Silent Beacon calls any number including 911 while sending multiple people your live GPS location. Different emergencies require different responses.

Silent Beacon allows you to customize who you call for help, whether that’s 911, emergency services, a family member or friend, even phone numbers overseas. Silent Beacon uses your smartphone’s GPS to send your location in real-time via text, email, and push notifications to people who can help you in an emergency. This feature adds a whole extra layer of safety, enabling contacts to find you if you’re incapacitated or unable to talk.

Unlike competing devices, Silent Beacon requires no monthly or hidden fees. Once you purchase your device and connect it with your smartphone or tablet’s Bluetooth® you won’t have to worry about additional fees or setup costs. As a home healthcare worker, there are lots of challenges and dangers, especially during COVID-19, to have the Silent Beacon as that extra precaution could make all the difference. Continue reading to learn about some safety tips for home health care workers and some extra tips especially dealing with coronavirus.

• Wash your hands often

According to the CDC, you should scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm or cold soapy water.

• Wear gloves when visiting a patient’s home

When entering a new patient’s home, wear gloves to protect yourself and your patient from harmful germs. 

• Wear a mask anytime you leave your own home

The CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and stop asymptotic carriers from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings can be made from household items that are low cost and effective. 

• Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with you and in your car

Carrying extra hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes is a helpful precaution to take. You will be able to wipe down any surfaces you come in contact with to stay safe and free of germs. 

• Whenever possible, offer televisits and telehealth services as an option

Telehealth refers to a broad collection of telecommunications technologies that support health care delivery and services from distant locations. If possible, offer telehealth to your clients. Only have in-person visits if it’s absolutely necessary. 

• Do not work if you feel ill 

Taking care of yourself should be your number one concern. If you begin to feel sick, you should not endanger yourself and others by leaving your home. If you still need to work while feeling sick, give telehealth a try. 

• Be aware

Working in patients’ homes can be unpredictable. It is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings. 

• Don’t overexert yourself

Maintain a reasonable pace and flexibility in your schedule to ensure you don’t overexert yourself. Listen to yourself and know when you need to take a break.

• Confirm with clients before you visit

Don’t waste time or energy going to a meeting that isn’t happening. Always confirm with clients by phone or email beforehand. 

• Make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

Keep others informed of your daily plans so they can contact proper authorities in an emergency. Communicate with people where you are going and when you intend to be back.

• Carry the Silent Beacon

Emergencies happen when you least expect them. Make sure you have the Silent Beacon with you at all times. It can be kept in your purse, pocket or clipped on your waist for hands-free accessibility.

• Keep your car in good condition with a full tank of gas

You don’t want to get stuck at a client’s house with an empty tank or a broken automobile. Keep your car in good condition to stay alert and ready. 

• Trust your instincts

You know yourself best. If you feel unsafe, excuse yourself from the situation and leave the premises. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, it is unknown when social distancing will be over or when things will return to normal. Social distancing, self-quarantine, and stay-at-home orders have altered the routine of home health workers. It can be frightening to leave your home with the fear of contracting or spreading the virus to others. Home healthcare workers can stay safe with the Silent Beacon and by following these personal safety tips through the coronavirus pandemic. 

To learn more about the Silent Beacon and other coronavirus safety tips visit www.silentbeacon.com.