Information about the COVID-19 - Social Services | Mental ...



COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS Family Service Foundation COVID-19Information and ProtocolsInformation about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PandemicThe COVID-19 Pandemic started in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is not known to have appeared in the United States until February of 2020. COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be very serious for individuals with pre-existing conditions. COVID-19 presents itself in different ways, but the symptoms commonly include the following:HeadacheFeverChills, sometimes with repeated shakingCoughing, Shortness of Breath, trouble breathingChest painMuscle PainSore ThroatLoss of taste or smellThe above list is not inclusive of all symptoms; Direct Support Professionals should consult with their doctor if they are experiencing any other concerning symptoms. Since COVID-19 is extremely contagious and can be contracted easily, Family Service Foundation closed all Meaningful Day Program sites as on 3/17, in an effort to ensure that the people we support, as well as staff, are not put at risk. In addition to Family Service Foundation closing, much of the State of Maryland began to close various aspects of daily life including schools, retail stores, museums, etc. Large gatherings were also no longer permitted, and eventually a “Stay at Home” order was issued by the Governor. There is currently a plan in place by the State Government to re-open many businesses, however FSF will follow a plan that responsibly opens our offices and buildings in a manner that will keep all employees, clients, and anyone safe. On 3/17, Family Service Foundation put a “Response Protocol” into place that provided information regarding the response to an infection of a Family Service Foundation employee and also a response the infection of a person supported by Family Service Foundation. This was meant to be a fluid document with changes made as more information was learned. Elements from that response protocol will remain intact, however further guidance and information is included in this document. Family Service Foundation also enacted a policy of mandatory mask wearing for staff – FSF has always had a limited number of masks to provide to the DSPs, and had instituted limitations to what was provided to the DSPs. Further guidance and information related to mask wearing will also be provided in this document.Having accurate information regarding COVID-19 is paramount during these times. Below is information related to Transmission, and Prevention. COVID-19 TransmissionIt is very important for all Direct Support Professionals to know and understand how COVID-19 is spread from one person to another. Most people contract COVID-19 in their own home from a family member that has contracted the illness. But where does that family member get it? COVID-19 spreads a variety of ways, but it is believed that it is spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Coughing or sneezing sends thousands of tiny droplets into the air; these droplets contain the virus and if a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes, then people around them can inhale the droplets and become infected with COVID-19. In addition, COVID-19 can be transmitted when the droplets fall onto surfaces and are touched, or picked up, by someone and then that person touches their face or food they are eating. An uninfected person must be exposed to enough droplets to be infected; typically, infection will occur when the exposure involves more time and a space with poor ventilation.How to Prevent TransmissionThe best way to prevent transmission is to avoid exposure to this virus, however Direct Support Professionals are Essential Personnel at Family Service Foundation and the work they do is so important to the daily lives of the people receiving services from the agency. Understanding how the virus is spread will help the DSPs learn how to prevent contracting it. The best ways for Direct Support Professionals to keep themselves safe are to do the following:Wash Your Hands Often: If you do come into contact with the virus on your hands, this is the best way to get rid of it. While washing your hands, the soap will cling to the virus (as well as other items) and will allow you to rinse them away. Hand Washing should occur for at least a 20 second time period. Avoid touching your eyes, ears, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.Hand Sanitizer: If you are not able to wash your hands, or soap and water are not readily available, Hand Sanitizer can be an adequate substitute. The hand sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol to be effective.Avoid Close Contact with Others: “Social Distancing” is a relatively new term meaning that we should maintain a distance of 6 feet with other people outside of our homes. It is important to remember that people without symptoms can still spread the virus, so distance helps minimize risk. Do not gather in groups, stay out of crowded spaces, and avoid mass gatherings – all of these things help you to minimize your, and the people in our services’s, risk of exposure.Wear a Face Covering: This includes surgical masks, N95 masks, homemade masks, bandanas, or other items that cover you face and nose. Wearing masks is meant to protect others if the person wearing the mask is infected but not exhibiting symptoms. However, wearing a mask can help to keep you from inhaling the droplets that may be in the air. Masks will not block droplets that fall onto surfaces and then are picked up on hands.Cover Coughs and Sneezes: If you do not have a face covering on, then you should try to cough, or sneeze, into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Make sure that tissues are disposed of right away, and hands are washed after coughing or sneezing.Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Doing this will remove droplets that have fallen onto surfaces from the air, and will assist in reducing the spread.**Source: Centers for Disease Control Website. ()As of May 11, 2020, there are over 33,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland. Family Service Foundation provides support in the following Counties in Maryland: Prince George’s, Montgomery, Frederick, and Baltimore Counties. Currently, there are over 9,600 cases in Prince George’s County; over 6,900 cases in Montgomery County; over 1,260 cases in Frederick County; and over 3,900 cases in Baltimore County. These numbers will continue to rise over the coming months and can be tracked on the webpage coronavirus.. It is very important to note, that while this virus can be very dangerous and cause death in some instances, the overwhelming majority of people that contract COVID-19 will recover. People with pre-existing conditions (e.g. respiratory issues, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.) are the most at risk of experiencing severe complications related to COVID-19. In order to ensure safety of all staff members, if a Family Service Foundation employee has pre-existing conditions that place them at a higher risk related to COVID-19, they should share this information with the Director of Human Resources, the Chief Operating Office, or their direct supervisor. Family Service Foundation Response Protocol for Outbreaks of COVID-19Based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Maryland Department of Health (MDOH), and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Family Service Foundation (FSF) has developed this response protocol to guide all employees of FSF regarding what to do, and how to respond to outbreaks of COVID-19 in all settings including residential homes, day programing sites, and office settings.For the purposes of this protocol, an “Outbreak” is considered a single positive test result for COVID-19 of an employee of, or a person receiving services from, Family Service Foundation. All outbreaks must be reported to the local health department. Phone numbers for the local health departments for all areas that FSF operates in are the following:Baltimore County Health Department: (410) 887-2243Frederick County Health Department: (301) 600-1029Montgomery County Health Department: (240) 777-1779Prince George’s County Health Department: (301) 883-7879When contacting the health department, the FSF representative should inform the department that the agency is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19. The FSF representative should also share the address where the outbreak is occurring. Guidance will be provided from the health department regarding next steps that are needed from the agency. **Due to the unprecedented nature of this pandemic, when contacting the health department, the FSF representative may be told that the health department does not need to be notified and that notifying DDA is sufficient enough – THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The MDOH has provided specific guidance to all agencies and providers of services that any outbreak is to be reported to the local health department.The local health department will provide varying degrees of guidance and, depending on the situation, may or may not give directions regarding how FSF should respond, testing of other staff and people supported, and other response items. Due to the inconsistencies of information that may be given from local health departments, FSF has developed a response protocol that is to be used in the event local health departments are not able to provide guidance. The response protocol developed by FSF is to be utilized unless other instructions are provided by the DDA, or the local Health Department.Pre-Infection/Pre-OutbreakPrior to their being an actual outbreak in a home or day programing site, there are numerous precautions that should be put into place to ensure the safety of Direct Support Professionals, People receiving supports, and all other staff of Family Service Foundation. All employees should be following the guidance from the CDC to prevent transmission. This includes washing hands regularly, wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer (if available), social distancing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces. In addition, FSF has developed a policy where DSPs are not to work in more than one house during the pandemic. The only exceptions to this will be made by the COO or Director of Human Resources – these exceptions are only for extreme staffing shortages.Regular cleaning throughout the homes will be required, with staff on each shift (8am-4pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-9am) now being required to perform certain cleaning tasks aimed at disinfecting the homes and keeping everyone safe. Each home will have a list of cleaning tasks that are to be completed during each shift. Cleaning supplies are very challenging to obtain throughout the entire country, and due to this staff will be required to disinfect items utilizing a bleach solution. The bleach solution will need to be made each day, because the solution will be able to disinfect for 24 hours after creation. Homes will be supplied with bleach, spray bottles (to hold the solution), and cleaning towels. Surfaces should be wiped down multiple times per day utilizing the bleach solution. PLEASE ENSURE THAT BLEACH SOLUTIONS ARE MADE ACCORDING TO PROPER GUIDANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE MIXTURE IS NOT TOO POTENT. Mixtures with too much bleach can cause fumes that can be dangerous. Questions regarding how to mix the solution properly should be directed toward the manager.DSPs working in homes are also required to wear masks during the entirety of their shifts. This is a policy has been in place since shortly after the pandemic started; FSF has masks available to the staff to wear while they are working. Each staff person will be issued masks on a weekly basis until all disposable masks have been used; at that time, or before if the staff wishes, the staff will begin wearing the reusable cloth masks that have been provided by FSF or that staff are able to procure themselves.?When possible, DSPs should ensure that residents wear face coverings as well.?Social Distancing may not be an option while working within a home?with other people, however the current “stay at home” order should be followed, and any times employees support residents with going outside, they should ensure that they assist the person with remaining at least 6 feet from other people in the area where they are.?Hand washing is probably the most important task that staff need to engage in; it should be the first thing they do when the walk into a home, and the last thing they do prior to leaving. Hand washing for?20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. Staff should wash their hands regularly while on shift, and they should refrain from touching their face as much as possible.?Hand Sanitizer is another extremely difficult item to obtain throughout the country, however when it is available, staff should use this to disinfect their hands in addition to washing with soap and water.?Staff will be required to take their own temperatures daily while at work. At the start of each shift, Staff will be required to take their temperature with thermometers provided to the homes. Their temperature should be recorded on the documentation chart provided, and if a staff person has a temperature of 99 degrees or higher, they are to contact the manager immediately and remove themselves from the shift.?In addition to the beginning and ending of their shift, staff are?required to take their temperatures at the midpoint of their shift. Staff should also regularly screen themselves for signs and symptoms listed earlier, and report any symptoms to the Director of HR, the COO, or their direct supervisor.People in services will also be regularly screened, by the DSPs, for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. This will include taking temperatures of people in services three times daily, at 8am, 2pm, and 8pm. Staff will also check for other signs such as cough, chills, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, and other possible indicators of COVID-19. All checks will occur at times temperatures are taken.DSP Infection/Possible Infection ProtocolFamily Service Foundation DSPs should ensure that they are knowledgeable regarding the symptoms related to COVID-19 (information provided earlier in this playbook can be utilized for this purpose); this will help them to identify when they might be infected with the Coronavirus. During the Pandemic, ANY illness of a Direct Support Professional should be reported to the direct supervisor. This allows for the person to be taken off the schedule, if necessary, and reduce potential risk of spreading the virus among co-workers, and the people in services. If a staff person is planning to be tested for COVID-19, or tests positive, that staff person should immediately notify their direct supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, or the Chief Operating Officer as soon as possible so that measures can be put into place related to other staff and people receiving supports.If a Direct Support Professional has a second job with another agency, and they come into direct contact with an outbreak at that place of business, they are to report that to their direct supervisor immediately. Upon notification, the Director of Human Resources and the Chief Operating Officer will make determinations regarding next steps. In addition, if a family member of a DSP, with whom they have close contact, tests positive or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 this should immediately be communicated to management/leadership. These unprecedented times require the sharing of information that might not normally be shared because we need to work together to keep everyone safe from potential infections. All illnesses will initially be treated as a potential COVID-19 infection. No personal health information of DSPs will be shared with other FSF employees unless the sharing is related to ensuring the health and safety of those staff.Upon notification related to a confirmed positive COVID-19 result, or a probable COVID-19 infection, the Director of Human Resources and/or the Chief Operating Officer will reach out to other staff that were in direct contact with the infected staff person to ensure they are removed from the shift, and go into quarantine for a period of 14 days. Staff working in a home where a staff person has tested positive, but they did not have direct contact with that DSP, may continue to work, if they choose, as long as they do not show any symptoms and take all required measures in the Pre-Infection/Pre-Outbreak protocol.The Community Living Manager, Assistant Director, or Chief Operating Officer will contact the local health department to inform them of the outbreak and seek guidance. If the local health department provides recommendations, or guidance, those will be followed. Following the notification of the health department and other staff regarding the outbreak, next steps will be taken to ensure the health and safety of both staff and people in services. This includes, a thorough cleaning of the home by FSF staff or a professional cleaning company, if necessary; staff will be issued N95 masks, in addition to the surgical/cloth masks.Supported Person Infection ProtocolIt the hope and the goal for Family Service Foundation to keep the people in services safe from the COVID-19 virus, however it is possible that a person supported by FSF will become infected. In the event of an infection, DSPs will need to follow directives carefully to ensure that the person receives the proper care as soon as possible. Prior to a confirmed positive infection, the DSPs supporting the people in their homes should be vigilant in screening, three times per day, for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the person. DSPs are to ensure that people’s temperatures are taken three times per day (8am, 2pm, 8pm) to watch for irregularities in temperature. Any increase in body temperature is to be reported immediately to the Delegating Nurse, and the Manager. All temperatures and screenings of people in services are to be documented on forms provided, or within the iCare Manager system. If there is no temperature, however other signs of COVID-19 are present, then the staff person is notify the Delegating Nurse and the Manager immediately. The Nurse and/or Manager will notify the person’s healthcare provider about the potential infection, and will set up a medical appointment (via office visit, or telehealth visit.) This individual should be separated from others in the home so as to isolate them and help prevent spread of COVID-19. This should include the person staying in their room as much as possible, with all meals being given to the person in their room. If possible, this person should have access to a private bathroom or toilet. If possible, the infected person will be moved from the house to a separate FSF licensed site to receive care and support from DSPs.**If the supported person is showing signs of COVID-19, and neither the manager or the Nurse are able to be contacted, the DSP(s) on duty should reach out to the Assistant DD Director, HR Director or COO; DSP should contact 911 and seek assistance if they are unable to reach any member of management.Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the healthcare professional may inform the agency that the infected person can receive care at the home, rather than in a hospital setting. If this is the case, and moving to another licensed site is not an option, the infected person is to quarantine in their room, or in an area completely separated from their roommates. Staff are to continue to monitor the person throughout the situation, and notify the nurse, manager, healthcare professional, and/or 911 if the person’s condition worsens. The Nurse will update the care plan to include the COVID-19 diagnosis, and will review with the DSP(s). Staff will continue to document temperatures, and will begin to document symptoms, and progress that the individual makes toward recovery. Upon notification of a positive client result of COVID-19, the Director of Human Resources and the Chief Operating Officer will notify all staff that had direct contact. Staff members can continue to provide supports and services to the infected person, but will take every precaution to include wearing an N95 mask, isolation gown (if available), gloves, face shield (if available), and goggles (if available). The staff person is to follow all measures for reducing transmission to ensure their safety. To whatever extent it is possible, the DSPs should encourage the infected person to wear a mask at all times to help prevent the spread (this may not be possible if the person is not able to understand what is happening due to his/her disability.) In addition, the home will be cleaned and disinfected both by DSPs and potentially by a professional cleaning and disinfecting company. Staff exposed to the infected client will be able to continue working, as long as they do not show any signs or symptoms of COVID-munication Between Direct Support Professionals, Managers, and FSF Leadership During COVID-19Communication will be a vital part of Family Service Foundation’s successful managing of the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of communication cannot be understated as there can be changes to the way that FSF responds to the pandemic and this information needs to be shared throughout the agency, and particularly with DSPs on the frontlines. Family Service Foundation has a variety of ways in place to share information with the Direct Support Professionals. Direct Contact via Call/Text: One of the most common forms of communication used is direct contact via phone call and text. This method should be used when communicating emergencies and other important information. DSPs are encouraged to reach out to their managers directly when they have questions related to how service delivery should be done during the COVID-19 pandemic. DSPs can also reach out to the Director of Human Resources, the Assistant Director of DD Programs, or the Chief Operator Officer, when appropriate.Email: Every employee at Family Service Foundation is issued an email address to use to communicate with other members of the agency. Email should be checked regularly to ensure that nothing is missed; email is an effective was to communicate with a lot of people at one time. It can also be accessed regularly through an app on a phone, or online via . Historically, Direct Support Professionals at FSF have not utilized email very much and this has caused many to not know if they have an email. If the DSP is unsure whether they have an email address at FSF, they should reach out to their manager, or the COO, to ensure that this information can be shared with them. If the DSP would rather share a personal email address to receive communications from FSF during the COVID-19 Pandemic, that information should be shared with their manger.Whatsapp: This is an app available on most cell phones that allows people to communicate in groups or directly with other people. It utilizes a chat messaging format, and is encrypted to ensure that privacy is maintained. Whatapp can be downloaded to a phone from an app store on a smart phone device. Many people utilize this and DSPs can access their Managers, the Director of HR, and the COO through Whatsapp as long as they have the phone number of the person programmed in their phone. Zoom Meetings: Zoom is a computer program that supports video calling for up to 100 people at a time. In order to open up the lines of communication for the DSPs to reach the leadership of FSF, there is a standing Zoom meeting starting Thursday 5/28/2020 from 3pm to 4pm. Any DSP that wants to join in can do so by using this link: (this link can be emailed/sent direct if needed). This is an opportunity for DSPs to reach out and ask questions and to hear information related to Family Service Foundation’s COVID-19 response. DSPs are encouraged to attend the meeting whether they are working or not, as valuable information may be shared during these meetings. When possible, the meetings will be recorded and posted online for DSPs to view if they aren’t able to attend. DSPs can also request individualized Zoom meetings with their manager, the Director of Human Resources, the COO, the CFO, or the CEO. Requests for those meetings should be made via email to the person they wish to meet with.iCare Manager: iCare Manager (iCM) is Family Service Foundation’s online database for documentation related to the people receiving services. Including within this database is a messaging system where staff can send messages in an email like form to anyone else that has access to the iCM system. In order to use this feature, staff need to ensure that they have their log in credentials and can access the system. A manual related to using the messaging feature will be provided to staff so that they are able to effectively learn how to send and receive messages to one another, the managers, the directors, the nursing staff, quality assurance, the operations manager, and the COO. Bulletins regarding services will also be placed in iCM, and can be viewed immediately upon logging into the system. These bulletins are in a red box across the top of the screen and must be clicked on in order to remove them – this ensures that staff are able to review them and receive the information.Other Forms: In addition to the above means of communication, FSF leadership will also work to ensure that regular information is shared via Family Service Foundation’s website and Facebook page. This communication will not offer DSPs the opportunity to engage directly with managers, directors, or leadership – however they will have the opportunity to receive information in a format where they can review posts made regarding various activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions regarding posts made on the agency’s website (,) the Facebook page, or other board (such as ADP) should be communicated via one of the direct forms of communication listed above (e.g. email, phone call, text, etc.)Changes for Direct Support Professionals During COVID-19 PandemicWith all of the necessary changes, it is most important that each Direct Support Professional understand the modifications that COVID-19 has created to their daily work routine. All DSPs will continue to focus on a Person-Centered approach to delivering services and support to the people we serve, however some job functions will have a heightened level of importance and more precautions have been put into place to ensure safety for everyone. The changes have been put into bullet points below to ensure an ease in understand each of them.During the State of Emergency in Maryland – all Direct Support Professionals will receive a 5% increase in their pay.In the event of an outbreak, each home will have an emergency schedule created that will be comprised of a “skeleton crew” that ensures the health and safety of the people in services.DSPs may find that they are working with a reduced workforce in a home where the ratios are different from what they normally are.DSPs are not allowed to work in more than one residential site unless there is a staffing emergency.Quarantine of DSPs should occur if they have direct contact with another DSP that tests positive for COVID-19.Quarantine staff can return after a 2 week period as long as they do not present with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.DSPs that test positive for COVID-19 are not able to return to work until they are cleared by a Healthcare professional. This information should go through the HR Department.Expiring renewable trainings such as CPR/First Aid, MTTP, MANDT, etc. will remain valid until 30 days after the end of the State of Emergency.DSPs not feeling well MUST report this to their manager, along with their symptoms (this helps us ensure a proper response that keeps everyone safe).DSPs are to take their temperature 3 times daily while on shift (when they arrive, at the mid-point, and before they leave).DSPs are to check temperatures of the people in services 3 times daily (8am, 2pm, 8pm), and also screen those people for any other symptoms of COVID-19.DSPs are to wear masks correctly at all times (mask should cover above the nose to below the chin).Gloves should not be worn unless coming into direct contact with a bodily fluid of a person in services (see PPE section for more information).DSPs should regularly wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. DSPs may use hand sanitizer, if available, but understand handwashing is more effective.If working a 2nd job, DSPs MUST report exposure to COVID-19 to their manager immediately; DSPs should inform their manager of where their second/third job is in the event that an outbreak occurs. This will allow FSF to inform that agency and help keep people safe.DSPs potentially exposed to COVID-19 from an infected family member should notify their manager immediatelyAll regular job tasks are to continue, with a focus on regular cleaning of the home; wiping down surfaces regularly.Changes for the People Supported by Family Service FoundationCOVID-19 has changed a lot about the way people with disabilities are receiving services across all agencies. With both the Stay at Home order being put into place, and with all agencies shutting down their day program sites, the people receiving service from FSF have been stuck in their homes since mid-March. This has certainly caused some disruption to many peoples’ routines and has caused all services to be delivered in the homes. There have also been measures put into place to help ensure the safety of people in services, such as taking regular temperature readings and daily screening for COVID-19 symptoms. In addition, there will be changes to the ways that day services are delivered as we more to a virtual model over the internet utilizing video calling technology. All changes related to the services for people supported by FSF are listed below:Temperatures will be taken 3 times per day (8am, 2pm, and 8pm)Regular screening by DSPs to check for symptoms of COVID-19No community activities are allowed with the exception of outdoor walks/exerciseQuarantine in room if an outbreak occurs in the homeMasks must be worn (if the person is able to, or will allow)Individuals should be kept as separate as possible, with meals occurring at different times and/or in different placesThere may be a reduction in ratio requirement if staffing is an issueNo Day Services available; people will stay home and receive services in their homeRegular hand washing by residents should occurPersonal Protective Equipment and Other SuppliesPersonal Protective EquipmentSince the COVID-19 Pandemic began, Family Service Foundation has worked to follow all guidance that has been put out by Federal, State, and Local governments and much of the guidance has been around the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is used by healthcare professionals to help protect them from infection of the Coronavirus. Different types of PPE include isolation gowns, surgical masks, N95 respirator masks, face shields, and gloves. At the start of this pandemic, FSF had some PPE on hand, however did not have a supply of surgical masks or face shields on hand; and the supply of N95 respirator masks and isolation gowns were very limited. FSF worked hard to obtain PPE for the DSPs to use while working, and was able to obtain some from local governments, the Developmental Disabilities Administration, as well as purchasing some from another provider. Currently at this time, FSF has enough surgical and N95 masks to provide to staff as needed to ensure their safety. If masks are needed, it is important that the DSPs reach out to their direct manager to request masks for them and/or colleagues. If they are unable to obtain masks from the manager, they should reach out to the Chief Operating Officer to make the request. FSF currently has a mandatory face covering policy to assist in stopping the spread of the virus.It is very important that all employees understand that FSF does not have an unlimited supply of PPE. There is a shortage of PPE across the country and, while we have been able to obtain supplies, it is unknown if/when we will be able to obtain more supplies for the staff. As a result of shortages across the nation, FSF will utilize guidance from the CDC related to prolonging the use of PPE. DSPs will need to reuse masks weekly, as we are not able to continuously supply staff with PPE. In addition to the disposable masks, FSF has also been able to obtain re-usable masks for staff that were donated from the community. Staff are encouraged to make their own masks and wear them during shifts. It is important to note that reusable masks should be laundered regularly to ensure that they are safe to wear for staff.Some PPE will not be distributed unless there is a COVID-19 outbreak in a home. This may include N95 masks, isolation gowns, and/or face shields. If/When FSF runs out of disposable surgical and N95 masks, reusable masks are to be used in their place along with face shields (if available). DSPs should also ensure that they are wearing masks correctly with the mask covering from above the nose, just under the eyes, to under the chin. Not wearing a mask correctly can create a dangerous situation where the staff person is not protecting themselves from potential infection.While rubber/vinyl exam gloves are included in the PPE that FSF has on hand, DSPs should not wear gloves throughout a shift as a means of protecting themselves from the coronavirus. While the gloves will keep the virus from getting on a person’s hands, it will not prevent the spread of the virus. The virus will simply transport on the gloves; this is why washing hands for 20 seconds is a more effective manner of stopping potential spread of the virus. Gloves should be worn when assisting individuals with personal care, such as showering or toileting.Other SuppliesFamily Service Foundation will work to keep a supply of items like Paper towels, Toilet Paper, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, soap, and hand sanitizer, in stock so that DSPs and residents are able to utilize these items for personal care and regular cleaning of the homes. Some items, particularly cleaning supplies, are in short supply throughout the country. As a result of the lack of cleaning supplies, FSF will return to using bleach solutions to clean surfaces. Every home will be provided a spray bottle to create the bleach solution daily.The Bleach solution should include 1/10 parts bleach, and 9/10 part water. The solution must be created daily as the disinfecting quality of the bleach will not last beyond 24 hours from creation. Managers will work with DSPs to ensure that they are trained on how to create the solution. DSPs and residents are urged to conserve supplies like paper towels and disinfecting wipes because of the nationwide shortage of these items. For cleaning, FSF is providing reusable towels that the DSPs and residents can use to wipe down surfaces. Managers will re-supply homes with needed items at least once per week. If an item is needed, the DSP or resident should inform the manager so that it can be brought. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download