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True Care is fully committed to the safety of its clients and staff. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues True Care has been examining the protocols and precautions that are necessary to protect our clients and staff. Our Emergency Preparedness Team (EMT) is closely monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and other experts.

True Care is aware that the situation is evolving daily and is prepared to follow all federal and state guidelines regarding the well-being and safety of its patients and staff.

Since January, True Care has continued to be in close contact with all staff by email and text. Instructions have been provided. We are sending frequent updates to our staff regarding the following:

▸ Any staff member or caregiver who is sick should not come to work and should follow up with a medical professional.

▸ In the event that a staff member or caregiver exhibits fever above 100.4 or lower respiratory symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) they are instructed to seek medical attention and inform our HR department.

▸ If a staff member or caregiver identifies any patients with the above symptoms, they are to notify the office immediately.

▸ If a staff member or caregiver is sick, they should not return to work until they are symptom-free, without medications, for more than 24 hours or longer as directed by a medical professional.

▸ All staff or caregivers should practice good hygiene and cough/sneeze into a tissue or inner elbow.

▸ Standard/Universal Precautions will be maintained by field staff, as usual.

▸ Frequently touched surfaces have been and will continue to be disinfected often.

▸ If a staff member, caregiver, or client has traveled to a geographic location that is considered high risk in the past 14 days, True Care will be notified and staff will be screened as recommended by the CDC, NYSDOH and other experts.

▸ In the event that a staff member, caregiver, or client reports being exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19), True Care will be notified immediately and the necessary individuals will be informed as required by the CDC and NYSDOH.

Our nurses are providing specialized screenings to our patients for signs and symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been instructed to notify a health care provider immediately if infection is suspected. True Care will notify the contract if any caregiver or client is exhibiting symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Emergency Preparedness Team is prepared to follow all policies within the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Plan (EDPP) including the Emergency Preparedness Plan for Infectious Disease Outbreak. The EMT is providing education and guidance to all departments on a regular basis. The situation is being closely monitored and adjustments are being made daily and as needed. 

All clients will receive their expected hours of service from home health aides and visits from nurses. All staff have been sent information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions and screenings as detailed above. As of the date of this notice, there has been no staffing changes and no staffing shortages due to coronavirus (COVID-19). If a staffing shortage occurs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak or as a result of widespread self-quarantine the Emergency Preparedness Team (EMT) will activate the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Plan. This plan details the process for continued services for clients during an emergency.

The health and well-being of True Care clients and patients are paramount. In this time of uncertainty, we will continue to protect those most at risk. In an effort to further support our field staff we ask that all clients and patients of True Care remain calm and follow the advice of their health care professionals. We thank you for your continued support and appreciate your cooperation during these challenging times.