Follow Us

Facebook Linkedin

24/7 Support   |

Meridian Home Health Care’s COVID-19 Policy

Meridian Home Health Care’s greatest priority is the health and well-being of our clients and care-givers.  Through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meridian Home Health Care has continued to deliver safe, knowledgeable and compassionate care. In order to continue to provide uninterrupted essential services to our clients, we have aligned ourselves with the policies and guidelines set forth by provincial, federal and global health authorities.

Facts about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a viral infection that primarily affects the lungs. Some people may have a mild illness, while seniors or people with a pre-existing health condition can become very ill. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are not fully known.

COVID-19 is spread mainly by:

  • Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus
  • Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze
  • Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them


Individuals with any of the symptoms from the list below are recommended to self-isolate and follow public health advice:

  • Fever (Temp 37.8C/100F or greater) and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decrease or loss of taste or smell
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Muscle aches or joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

How we keep our clients and staff safe

  • Staff must self-screen before every shift for signs and symptoms of COVID – 19 illness.
  • Staff with symptoms of illness will be directed to immediately self-isolate, take a Rapid Antigen test, and if necessary, may be advised to seek PCR testing.
  • Staff with signs or symptoms of illness, if self-isolating or in quarantine are not permitted to come to work for the isolation period determined by Public Health.
  • Staff have received training on infection control practices and have access to additional resources through a nurse educator.
  • Meridian provides alcohol-based hand rub to staff so that they may perform hand hygiene, before, during and after all client encounters.
  • Staff will have access to approved disinfectant wipes for disinfection of high touch areas
  • Staff will ask asymptomatic clients and household members/others in the home to wear a face covering for the duration of the visit, if they can tolerate it.
  • Clients and household members will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at each visit
  • If a client screens positive for COVID-19 symptoms, Meridian staff will follow specific procedures which include the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • If a client or household member has confirmed or suspected COVID-19, caregivers will wear a fit-tested N-95 respirator, eye protection, gown and gloves.
  • When caring for asymptomatic clients, Meridian Home Health Care staff will follow contact precautions and the principles of universal masking.
  • Meridian promotes virtual meeting tools and/or phone calls whenever possible. If in-person communication or training is necessary, required control measures, such as physical distancing and proper PPE must be in place.

References

Durham Region Health Department (2022). Facts about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/resources/Documents/IllnessInfectionDisease/FactsAbout/Novel-Coronavirus.pdf

Public Health Ontario (2022). Interim IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID‑19 (9th revision). Retrieved from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=en#:~:text=The%20interim%20recommended%20PPE%20when,protection%2C%20gown%2C%20and%20gloves.

Public Health Ontario (2022). Universal mask use in health care settings and retirement homes (3rd revision). Retrieved from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/nCoV/ipac/report-covid-19-universal-mask-use-health-care-settings.pdf?sc_lang=en

Have any questions? We'd be happy to answer them.

Contact Us

Service Areas

Serving the Durham Region including Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Cobourg, Bowmanville, Lindsay, Campbellford and Peterborough.

Contact Information

Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
On-Call: 24 Hours

Quick Links

Facebook Linkedin

© 2024 Meridian Home Health Care. All Rights Reserved.

Made by Mojo Media