COVID at Home

When a patient tests positive for COVID-19 or a patient with COVID-19 is discharged from a facility, Holzer Home Care can provide the care services as a part of the COVID at Home program. A COVID diagnosis qualifies the patient as home bound during the quarantine period.

Home Care services available include:

  • Patients will receive daily home health visits or tele-visits for 14 days by a skilled professional.
  • At the end of 14 days, the patient can be discharged or continue with home health services, depending on the patient’s need.
  • We will monitor the patient and communicate with the primary care provider to manage symptoms at home. Patients may be eligible to receive COVID-specific medications and treatment at home.

For more information, call Holzer Home Care at 740-446-5301.

If the patient’s insurance is one we do not currently accept, we will refer the patient to Holzer’s Population Health Department for daily monitoring.

Symptom Tracking

Symptom tracking is recommended following a known exposure to COVID-19, a positive COVID-19 test, or a probable case of COVID-19. Symptom tracking includes:

  • Temperature checks twice daily, in morning and evening
  • Record oxygen level with pulse oximeter (if instructed)
  • Record symptoms and daily changes in symptoms

Other actions:

  • Perform deep breathing every hour – Deep breathing exercises can aid diaphragm function and help with coping anxiety and stress
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or apply hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Drink plenty of water – 8-10 glasses daily
  • Maintain a balanced diet to strengthen your immune system. This includes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.

Guidelines for COVID-19 at Home

If you have COVID-19 or suspect you might, follow these guidelines

  • Stay home unless you require medical attention
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Stay hydrated
  • Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever. – consult your provider to ensure your medication combinations are safe to prevent reactions
  • Evaluating your symptoms daily. Keep track of your breathing, the effectiveness of your medications, existence/severity of fever, and overall comfort. If you find your symptoms are severe, don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider or 911.
  • Isolate yourself from others in your home – avoid contact with others, including pets. If you are in contact with others, wear a mask.
  • Do not share household items with others. This includes dishes, bedding, and towels. After these items are used, they should immediately be cleaned with soap and water.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you or your loved one are experiencing trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. Please call your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call ahead before visiting the doctor. If you are experiencing a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify them that you need to be evaluated for COVID-19.

Caring for a loved one with COVID-19

  • Wear a mask and gloves when in contact with them
  • Perform hand hygiene after removing gloves or mask
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often
  • Wash laundry thoroughly and frequently, especially if soiled with bodily fluids

Support for the Patient and Caregiver

The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for many people. Fear and worry about a new disease is common in adults and children, and can result in a variety of emotions. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, quarantine and isolation may lead to loneliness, stress, and anxiety. If you or a loved one are experiencing stress due to the pandemic, it is important to learn healthy coping strategies.

Recognize Symptoms of Stress:

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
  • Worsening of chronic health problems.
  • Worsening of mental health conditions.
  • Increased use of tobacco and/or alcohol and other substances.

Healthy ways to cope with stress

  • Know what to do if you are sick – Know the symptoms of COVID-19, and contact a health professional before you treat symptoms.
  • Know where and how to get treatment – Know where treatment, testing, and support services (including counseling or therapy) are available in your area, and how to schedule.
  • Take care of your emotional health. This will help you think clearly to protect yourself and your family.
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories – This includes social media.
  • Take care of your body.
    • Take deep breaths, stretch, or  meditate
    • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Make time to unwind - Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others - Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations - While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

 

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