Long Island Health Care is actively monitoring the progression of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure that we have the most accurate and latest information on the threat of the virus. As you know, this situation continues to develop rapidly as new cases are identified in our communities. Our protocols are being adjusted as needed, and we will be sure to communicate any changes to you.
While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, causing fever and cough, a very small percentage of cases become severe and may progress particularly in the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Because this is the primary population that we serve, we understand your concerns and want to share with you how our organization is responding to the threat of COVID-19.
We are following updates and procedures from the Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and local and county authorities. Our response and plans may adjust according to the recommendations from these organizations.
- As a standard practice, we have an emergency preparedness plan in place. We will continue to follow it as this situation evolves or update it accordingly.
- All of our Long Island Health Care Nurses follow established protocol regarding staying home when sick. This practice is not new to our staff.
- All Long Island Health Care Nurses are required to call and screen EVERY client the day before prior to the visit. If they are unable to reach you the client, the visit will have to be delayed until contact is made. You will be instructed to check your temperature prior to the visit and notify the LIHC RN prior to the visit if your temperature is >100.4. The visit will then be rescheduled. This includes temperature screening of all persons in your household.
- During this time, the Long Island Health Care RN will be wearing a mask and other person protective equipment throughout the visit for everyone’s protection.
- We believe that home remains the safest place for you or your loved one, as indications show that the virus spreads more quickly in facilities and larger group settings. Possible exposure will remain the lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited outside contact. For this reason, we feel fortunate to be able to provide care that can keep people at home or limited exposure in group settings through personalized care and support.
- Many of our clients are especially at risk, given they are older adults or have underlying health issues. We are vigilant about our need to help protect these individuals from illness be it the flu, COVID-19, or any other communicable disease. These measures are not new to us as we seek to minimize risk regularly for our clients, regardless of an outbreak such as this new coronavirus.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures toilets, phones, keyboards, and tablets every day.
- Eat well, drink a lot of water and get rest to strengthen your immune system.
- Have a family emergency preparedness plan that includes care coverage and back up support, if possible.
- Stay at home and away from others at least 6 feet, if you are feeling ill.
- If you need to go out of you home for essentials such as food and medication, wear a mask and continue social distancing of 6 feet at all times. Wash your hands as soon as you return home.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. I want to assure you that we are following all the necessary protocols to protect our clients.