Welcome to this crucial part of your orientation. Here, we’ll delve into how safeguarding health begins with you, especially in these times where COVID-19 prevention and infection control are paramount.
Safety: It Starts With You.
Reporting is a cornerstone of fostering a safe environment within Arcadia. It unearths workplace risks and hazards, acting as alerts even when no injury occurs. By reporting, you help eradicate hazards, ensuring the safety of both clients and employees. For instance, a mere area rug could pose a tripping hazard for a client using a walker. It’s your duty to report such hazards to your supervisor, adhering to health and safety protocols, wearing necessary protective equipment, and reporting any health-related issues promptly.
COVID-19 Precautions:
In the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, staying home when feeling unwell is vital. Adhere to public health measures, keep your vaccinations current, and if you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, check your eligibility for testing and treatment. Remember, treatment is most effective when commenced within 5-7 days of symptom onset.
COVID-19 Protocol:
Before heading to work, carry out a self-assessment. If you exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s advisable to stay home, self-isolate, and follow the stipulated guidelines, including wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask when in public post-isolation, and avoiding non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals and high-risk settings for 10 days from symptom onset.
Hand Hygiene:
Handwashing is a cardinal practice to thwart infection spread. Practice hand hygiene at these key moments: before touching a client, before initiating personal care, after completing a task to reduce exposure to bodily fluids, and before exiting the client’s home.
Infection Control Precautions:
Understand and implement droplet and airborne precautions as needed, especially when dealing with diseases spread through coughing, sneezing, or air transmission, like influenza, tuberculosis, or COVID-19.
Dos and Don’ts:
Use your phone only during emergencies; it’s not permitted during shifts.
Complete your scheduled time; don’t leave even after finishing tasks as there’s always something more to do.
For scheduling requests, contact the office via email or call. Don’t schedule with the client directly.
Log in before entering the client’s home.
Maintain payroll confidentiality; don’t discuss it with clients or other staff.
Complete your daily logs, as they may serve as legal documents for client’s claims or insurance requests.
Report health-related incidents promptly to the office.
Above all, smile and deliver excellent, quality care.
Knowledge Check:
If all care plan tasks are completed but an hour remains before clock-out, what should you do?
What’s the best method to prevent infection spread as per Arcadia’s policies and procedures?
This orientation underscores the essence of diligence, adherence to protocols, and reporting in maintaining a safe, healthy environment for both you and our clients. Your adherence not only reflects professionalism but also a high regard for the well-being of the Arcadia community.
