Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event - AmeriBest Home Care

Disasters can be challenging to cope with emotionally. You must take care of your emotional and mental health after a disaster and pay attention to how you are feeling. You should also consider how your family members act and feel after an accident, especially if you are in any immediate physical danger.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a set of genuinely exceptional circumstances for many of us. As such, it is natural to feel stressed and uneasy during this time. Make sure you take care of your emotional well-being, as well as that of your loved ones. By doing so, you can ensure that you are ready and able to respond to unexpected situations. Some of the following tips may be useful to you:

Everybody reacts to disasters and calamities in different ways. However, this does not mean that we should neglect or pay less attention to our mental and emotional health. If you have recently experienced a disaster or traumatic event, make sure you take care of your mental health in the aftermath and the well-being of your loved ones.

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Fact vs. Fiction

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Fact vs. Fiction - AmeriBest Home Care

Can you recover completely from Coronavirus? Can you prevent COVID-19 by wearing a mask? Is there a vaccine against the new coronavirus? Should you cancel your travel plans? Can you order packages online without being worried? Did it all start from a bat soup?!

Check out this great article by IBX about Coronavirus and get some answers today!

Key Points:

Fact or fiction?

“If someone contracts the COVID-19 virus, they won’t recover.”

Fiction!
Most people who get COVID-19 will recover, as most people who get COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms and may not realize they have had it at all.

 

Fact or fiction?

You can prevent COVID-19 by wearing a mask.”

Fiction.
While these masks cannot protect you from contracting the virus, they are very much needed in the hospitals.

 

Fact or fiction?

“You can contract COVID-19 by simply being near someone with the virus.”

The answer: It depends on the situation.
It is thought that the main way the virus spreads is through person-to-person contact, including the following:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

 

Fact or fiction?

“A vaccine for COVID-19 will be available soon.”

Fiction.
It usually takes years to test and develop a working vaccine.

Fact or Fiction:

“You should cancel your travel plans.”

Possibly.
The CDC produces a daily list of high-risk locations.

Fact or fiction:

“You can catch COVID-19 from packages you order online that have been shipped from high-risk locations.”

Fiction.
But if you’re really concerned, you can wipe your package—and its contents—when they’re delivered with a sanitizing wipe.

 

Fact or fiction:

“COVID-19 started out in a pot of bat soup.”

Not exactly.
We don’t know about the soup, but we do know that the virus moved from bats to people.

Source: getgoodliving.com/article/health/covid-19-coronavirus-fact-vs-fiction

What Coronavirus Symptoms Look Like, Day By Day

Coronavirus Symptoms - AmeriBest Home Care

Please also remember to continue practicing:

  • Proper Handwashing techniques
  • Wipe down frequently used surfaces often throughout the day
  • Travel only when needed, staying a distance of 6 feet away from others as often as possible
  • Continue to practice social isolation

Be Safe and Stay Healthy!

Infection Control Team.

AmeriBest Field Staff Info Updates on Coronavirus

Updates on Coronavirus - AmeriBest Home Care

Attention, dear AmeriBest caregivers! We will be reaching out to each and every one of you with the following info. Feel free to share it with your fellow coworkers and please stay safe!


3/20/2020 update:

Good afternoon.  In the ever-changing environment with COVID-19 for safety purposes for all associates, we have closed the office until further notice.  We are still open for business and the corporate staff are all available by email or phone.  Please call the main number 215-925-3313 if you have questions regarding COVID-19, PPE, Symptoms experienced by either yourself or your patient, or any other concerns.  You can also visit our website:  Ameribesthomecare.com for ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please follow all CDC recommendations for social distancing, no large gatherings, and hand washing.

3/21/2020 update:

This is a payroll reminder for anyone submitting timesheets.  Timesheets are due by Sunday evening as per the standard timesheet procedure.  We accept timesheets by fax, email, or by dropping them off in the blue drop box behind the main corporate building.  Please make sure we have your correct address on file.  If you need to update your information, please call human resources with the updated information at 215-925-3313, Option #.  Thank you.

3/23-25/2020 update:

Due to the temporary office closing, all paychecks will be mailed out.  Please do not come into the office as it is closed.  If you have an issue with your check, you can call payroll at 215-925-3313 Option # or email the payroll department directly.  If your timesheet is late, please fax or email the late timesheets and we will send a manual check when it is processed.  Again, please do not come to the office, as it is closed.   We are taking these safety measures to protect everyone from exposure.  You can also visit our website:  Ameribesthomecare.com for ongoing updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please follow all CDC recommendations for social distancing, no large gatherings, and hand washing.

9 Springtime Activities for Every Type of Senior

9 Springtime Activities for Every Type of Senior - AmeriBest Home Care

Welcome in the cheery spring weather with some new activities for your senior.

As spring is all about beginnings and renewals, what better way to enjoy the season than to explore some new hobbies.

Here’s a list of 9 springtime activities to help your loved seniors make the most of their time.

There is always something for everyone!

For active seniors:

Grow a vegetable garden.

Or flower, or fruit, or herb. It doesn’t matter what kind of garden your senior plants, as long as your senior is out in the fresh air and sunshine. This can be a great alone time activity. And, it can also be a great social activity if done with a gardening club.

Visit a nature reserve.

Nature walks are relaxing, alternative to hikes. Hiking can be strenuous for seniors, but walking around a nature reserve gives them the same amount of outdoor pleasure and exercise. Make it a trip and spend the day at a nearby nature reserve. Or, make it a quick activity and go for just an hour or two.

Start spring cleaning.

Like we mentioned before, spring is all about starting anew. And nothing says starting anew than a nice clean house. Kick off the springtime by throwing away old baggage and clearing a space for the new. Not to mention, a dust-free house makes for easier breathing.

For the meditative seniors:

Have a picnic.

If your senior is fond of simple relaxation, going for a picnic is a perfect way to get your senior soaking up the sun’s vitamin D and enjoying some crisp air. You can go to a nearby park. Or, you can stay in the comfort of your lawn.

Try outdoor yoga classes.

Outdoor yoga is another great way to get your senior outdoors. Yoga is perfect for seniors who love to meditate and unwind. And, it’s got plenty of health benefits to boot.

Go fishing.

If you’re looking for a quiet activity, away from others, fishing is a great escape. Your senior can enjoy buying a rod, trying new baits, and, best of all, catching some delicious dinner.

For the artsy seniors:

Take a walk along the beach.

Most people don’t go to the beach until the summer. Which makes going to the beach during springtime that much better, because you’ll have the whole beach to yourself. It may be too cold to actually swim, but walking along the shore, napping in the sun, and collecting seashells is always fun. And, the ocean air is great for healthy breathing.

Host a paint night.

Or even paint and sip. This could be a great night to bring the family together. Or, a time to bring over your senior’s friends. Whomever the company, it’s just important that your seniors socialize and have a good time.

For seniors at home:

Explore virtual reality.

Virtual reality headsets let you explore the world without going far. Your senior can fish, hike, walk, you name it. All from the comfort of their own home. Although slightly expensive, VR headsets are truly worthwhile experience for seniors stuck at home.

SEPTA Switching to Saturday Schedule; Amtrak, PATCO Modify Schedules Due To Coronavirus

SEPTA Switching to Saturday Schedule - AmeriBest Home Care

Caregivers: Please be aware that beginning Sunday, March 22, 2020, all Septa routes will be operating on a Saturday schedule every day, until further notice. We urge you to go onto the Septa’s website, Septa.org, to determine what the schedules look like for you to reach your client’s destination on time. Please notify your Scheduling Coordinator if this will affect the on-time arrival to your scheduled shift. Thank you.


Transit service across the Delaware Valley are modifying their schedules due to the coronavirus outbreak.
(as of 3/19/2020)

SEPTA

Septa will begin operating on a Saturday schedule starting Sunday, March 22.
Schedules with Saturday service information are available at SEPTA.org

Amtrak

Amtrak is adjusting their schedule as well, for more info, please go to Amtrack’s Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus

New Jersey Transit

New Jersey Transit is operating on a regular weekday service.

PATCO

PATCO modifies schedule as well, please find it here: PATCO Announces Schedule Modifications

DART Services

DART Services are operating as regularly scheduled.

Source: 6abc.com

 

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers from the CEO, Omar Khanataev

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers

[UPDATE 2]

AmeriBest Colleagues,

It’s really difficult to articulate the grief and anxiety we have all collectively felt over the past couple of months. From the ongoing pandemic, that seems to have no end in sight, to family, friends and neighbors losing their jobs. Lastly, the pattern of distrust in our public servants. I am sure I am not alone when thoughts percolate through my mind, while all these events transpire in real time, and frankly, it’s easy to be enraged and overly emotional. However, I am a firm believer in taking a moment for a deep breath, disengaging and listening to those that are suffering.

Like many of you, I was sickened by the public execution of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It’s all of our duties to do better and be empathetic. To listen to our fellow man and hear their concerns. Our public servants have a tough job, one that requires trust from the community. When that trust is fractured by a bad police officer, and others don’t care to listen, crazy things happen. That trust needs to be built from the bottom again. Change happens from the ground up. Drawing awareness and speaking loudly is critical, but then the tough work starts. Holding our public servants accountable, electing officials that will make concrete policy changes and giving the people (you!) a seat at the table.

Which is why, now more than ever, I am so proud of our mission. I really believe that in its core, we contribute in serving our communities, empowering our clients, our caregivers, providing them with concrete skills and laying the groundwork in their career paths. I am proud of our skills lab that we are rolling out, assisting our caregivers in becoming CPR certified, encouraging our employees to attain higher education. Taking the lead in educating our caregivers on how overtime is structured, what health insurance means, why a 401k is so important. For our clients, I am especially proud of the resources we help allocate, the independence we help them achieve and the risks we help mitigate with their health.

Finally, our direct caregiver workforce, our PCAs, CNAs, nurses and therapists. The amount of work, sacrifice and resolve in your everyday lives is truly a noble and sometimes thankless job. Thank you!

Everyone has their motivations but ultimately, having security, providing for our families and being a good citizen is something we all strive to achieve. Someone much smarter than me named Maya Angelou once said, “I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it”. Those words are so powerful and optimistic. I remain optimistic that good change lies ahead, as long as we all have the courage display it.

Sincerely,

Omar Khanataev,

CEO

AmeriBest Home Care


[UPDATE 1]

Dear AmeriBest Caregivers,

As most of you know, the Governor has instructed all non-essential businesses to stay closed for the time being. AmeriBest is, however, an essential business and provides a service that now more than ever is so crucial to the health and well-being of our vulnerable patients.

While we realize what you do is so essential, we must continue to stay vigilant and follow best practices. Wearing personal protective equipment, washing your hands for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, not touching your face and coughing into a tissue are just a handful of precautions we can all take to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to always best serve our patients and keep them safe and comfortable in the comfort of their community and homes.

Also, please never hesitate to call our offices at 215-925-3313 to obtain an essential worker letter so you can go to work and provide care to patients. We have attached a letter for you to use should you be questioned about going to and from your patient’s home. You should always also have your ID on you to limit disruption. If you do not have an ID, please email or call our HR Department so we can mail or email an ID to you. If we do not have a photo, we will reach out to you for a picture to match to your ID identification you submitted on file and will then send you and ID.

In a time of such great anxiety and uncertainty, you have continued to be amazing and supportive to our mission in providing high-quality personal care services. I am not alone when I say how grateful for the work you are doing in our communities. Thank you now and thank you always!

Omar Khanataev

CEO


Dear AmeriBest Caregivers,

Like everyone else, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely and understand the concerns and anxiety built around this new challenge to all of us. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all the people who have already been affected by this unprecedented event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities, state and federal government who are on the front lines, working to contain this coronavirus. Please know that we are vigilantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation around the clock and have precautions in place to ensure that our patients and caregivers are in a safe environment.

Firstly, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline.

That Helpline could be reached by calling 1-800-722-7112, and is a free resource, available 24/7 to anyone in the greater Philadelphia area. Here is what it could help you with:

  • Symptoms and risk factors for the coronavirus & what to do if you think you have been exposed
  • Testing resources
  • Recommendations for social distancing

COVID-19 Memo for AmeriBest Caregivers

Also, we ask that all employees cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases and the spreading the COVID-19 virus. Here is what AmeriBest is currently doing:

  • Social Distancing – stay a “social distance” of 6 feet or more away from other people.
  • Increased office cleaning – we are working with building management to conduct thorough cleaning of our offices. Including but not limited to: wiping down keyboards, door handles, desk surfaces and installing hand sanitizer stations throughout the whole building.
  • Limit large gatherings – until further notice, we will cancel large meetings, lunches, trainings and other gatherings at the workplace. AmeriBest office is temporarily closed until further notice and the corporate staff is mobile.
  • Wash your hands! – wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use common sense – cover your mouth with tissues when you sneeze or cough, and discard used tissues in the trash. Use hand sanitizer, cleaning sprays and wipes constantly. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home if you are sick or show symptoms of exposure.
  • Monitor developments – Monitor local & state departments and the CDC for additional developments.

Visit our website for more information.

We hope that these measures give you confidence that we are taking the necessary precautions in this evolving situation. We remain committed to providing you and your clients with quality service that you can depend on.

With that goal in mind, I implore that you wash your hands frequently and that you avoid patient contact if you are feeling under the weather.

For additional information about COVID-19, please read the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov, your local health department website or visit our website at www.ameribesthomecare.com.

On behalf of everyone at AmeriBest Home Care, thank you for your hard work and dedication to helping your clients remain safe, healthy and independent in the comfort of their own homes.

CEO,

Omar Khanataev