“PPE” (personal protective equipment) was once a term primarily used by people in the healthcare industry and certain other niche professions. But with the outbreak of COVID-19, it has become commonplace among all Americans. Most everyone understands the importance of face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant in the battle against coronavirus.
With that said, supplies are short, and many caregiver companies have struggled to secure the necessary resources. A lack of PPE may be understandable given the worldwide pandemic. But that explanation is of little comfort to families and seniors who want to ensure they are protected at any cost.
Here’s how home care agencies differ in their ability to secure PPE and other reasons companies aren’t equally equipped to fight COVID-19.
Purchasing Power
Any economist or businessperson reading this can appreciate “economies of scale.” Large, national companies, including BrightStar Care, enjoy immense purchasing power. Not only does this lower the cost of PPE for regional offices, but it also guarantees access and sufficient inventories.
Many caregiver agencies are small operations that only service one community from a single office. While they may try their best to secure adequate resources, they are competing against large companies and even major hospital systems. Unfortunately, many of these mom-and-pop businesses have run short on PPE. And while that’s not their fault, it does pose considerable risk for any prospective clients.
Priorities
It’s probably safe to assume the majority of home care agency owners now regard COVID-19 mitigation as a top business priority. But that wasn’t always the case. While the topic is front-and-center for most Americans, there was a time not too long ago when the expected impact of “coronavirus” was still hotly debated.
Fortunately, some home care leaders were ahead of the curve. BrightStar Care’s CEO, Shelly Sun, was one of these forward-thinking individuals. Shelly prioritized the mass purchasing of PPE back in March of 2020 to the tune of two million dollars!
Protocols
COVID-19 infection-spread mitigation starts with PPE, but the effort also demands thoughtful protocols--especially in the context of care delivery. So, home care agencies that simply hand out face masks and gloves may be missing the critical element of training.
People who are researching home care agency options should inquire regarding COVID-19 protocols beyond the generic use of PPE. One might question what happens if a caregiver presents with a fever. Or families can ask, “Is there an office policy regarding aides who’ve been exposed to COVID-19 patients or individuals?”
Clinical Oversight
Most private-duty home care agencies employ “non-clinical” caregivers without nursing licenses or other official education. While the nature of the work usually doesn’t require medical credentials, it’s still helpful for caregiver companies to have licensed nurses in supervisory roles.
BrightStar Care is one of the only home care agencies in Marina del Rey (or Los Angeles, in general) with a licensed Registered Nurse who serves as the “Director of Nursing.” She conducts initial start of care assessments and ongoing case management that ensures caregivers are adhering to COVID-19 best practices. While other agencies may provide aides with PPE and training, their staff may not remain compliant without the accountability of clinical supervisors.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, most home care agencies want the best for their staff and clients. And everyone can agree that PPE is critical to reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread--especially among high-risk seniors. But logistically speaking, some companies are simply better positioned to face the challenge of PPE shortages and training/compliance complexities.
No family should feel like they’re gambling with the well-being of their aging loved ones. Call BrightStar Care today to discuss senior care options with low COVID-19 exposure!
With that said, supplies are short, and many caregiver companies have struggled to secure the necessary resources. A lack of PPE may be understandable given the worldwide pandemic. But that explanation is of little comfort to families and seniors who want to ensure they are protected at any cost.
Here’s how home care agencies differ in their ability to secure PPE and other reasons companies aren’t equally equipped to fight COVID-19.
Purchasing Power
Any economist or businessperson reading this can appreciate “economies of scale.” Large, national companies, including BrightStar Care, enjoy immense purchasing power. Not only does this lower the cost of PPE for regional offices, but it also guarantees access and sufficient inventories.
Many caregiver agencies are small operations that only service one community from a single office. While they may try their best to secure adequate resources, they are competing against large companies and even major hospital systems. Unfortunately, many of these mom-and-pop businesses have run short on PPE. And while that’s not their fault, it does pose considerable risk for any prospective clients.
Priorities
It’s probably safe to assume the majority of home care agency owners now regard COVID-19 mitigation as a top business priority. But that wasn’t always the case. While the topic is front-and-center for most Americans, there was a time not too long ago when the expected impact of “coronavirus” was still hotly debated.
Fortunately, some home care leaders were ahead of the curve. BrightStar Care’s CEO, Shelly Sun, was one of these forward-thinking individuals. Shelly prioritized the mass purchasing of PPE back in March of 2020 to the tune of two million dollars!
Protocols
COVID-19 infection-spread mitigation starts with PPE, but the effort also demands thoughtful protocols--especially in the context of care delivery. So, home care agencies that simply hand out face masks and gloves may be missing the critical element of training.
People who are researching home care agency options should inquire regarding COVID-19 protocols beyond the generic use of PPE. One might question what happens if a caregiver presents with a fever. Or families can ask, “Is there an office policy regarding aides who’ve been exposed to COVID-19 patients or individuals?”
Clinical Oversight
Most private-duty home care agencies employ “non-clinical” caregivers without nursing licenses or other official education. While the nature of the work usually doesn’t require medical credentials, it’s still helpful for caregiver companies to have licensed nurses in supervisory roles.
BrightStar Care is one of the only home care agencies in Marina del Rey (or Los Angeles, in general) with a licensed Registered Nurse who serves as the “Director of Nursing.” She conducts initial start of care assessments and ongoing case management that ensures caregivers are adhering to COVID-19 best practices. While other agencies may provide aides with PPE and training, their staff may not remain compliant without the accountability of clinical supervisors.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, most home care agencies want the best for their staff and clients. And everyone can agree that PPE is critical to reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread--especially among high-risk seniors. But logistically speaking, some companies are simply better positioned to face the challenge of PPE shortages and training/compliance complexities.
No family should feel like they’re gambling with the well-being of their aging loved ones. Call BrightStar Care today to discuss senior care options with low COVID-19 exposure!