Coronavirus (COVID-19) An Update on AVA HomeCare’s Efforts
To our Clients, Families and Home Care Partners:
We value and appreciate the trust you place in us to take care of you and your loved ones.
We want to personally update you on the situation with COVID-19 and the steps we are taking to
ensure the health and safety of our clients, families, caregivers and staff.
AVA HomeCare is actively monitoring the progression of COVID-19, to ensure that we have the
most accurate and latest information. As you know, this situation is developing rapidly as new cases
are identified in our communities and our protocols will be adjusted as needed.
The infection control practices we have in place conform to OSHA regulations, CDC guidelines, and
state and local regulations. Additionally, our response and plans may adjust according to the
recommendations from these organizations.
And please know, our goal in all of this is to be prepared… not panicked.
Here are the steps AVA HomeCare is taking at this time:
As a standard practice, we have an infection control plan in place. We will continue to follow it as this
situation evolves or update it accordingly.
All AVA HomeCare caregivers follow established protocol regarding staying home when sick and
report us immediately.
Communication with caregivers to assess any known risk factors, such as travel to areas with
widespread outbreaks or local contact in areas known to have reported cases, are ongoing.
We believe that home remains the safest place for the individuals in our care, as indications show
that the virus is spread more quickly in facilities and in large group settings. Possible exposure will
remain the lowest for those who are able to stay in their homes with limited outside contact. For this
reason, we feel fortunate to be able to provide care that can keep people at home or with limited
exposure in group settings through personalized care and support.
For clients we serve who reside in facilities or other group-type living situations, we will work closely
with the facility on any protocols, exchange of information or other guidelines as necessary.
Many of our clients are especially at risk, given they are older adults or have underlying health
issues. We are vigilant about our need to help protect these individuals from illness be it the flu,
COVID-19, or any other communicable disease. These measures are not new to us as we seek to
minimize risk regularly for our clients, regardless of an outbreak such as this new coronavirus.
At all times, regardless of a viral outbreak or other situation, we strongly recommend that our clients
and families have alternative arrangements for the provisions of care in the event we are unable to
provide services. We encourage our families to consider putting into place back-up plans now, as
the severity of the spread of this illness and planned interventions is still uncertain.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory
diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to
the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. (If soap and
water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol).
Additional information about COVID-19 can be found through the following links:
https://covid19.colorado.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
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