The Importance of HHC Workers in the COVID-19 Outbreak

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is causing Americans across the country to retreat into their homes and keep their distance from others in order to slow the spread of the virus. This disease is particularly dangerous for the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, two groups of people that home healthcare (HHC) workers interact with regularly. Through serving some of the most at-risk people in our society, home healthcare providers fill an important role in keeping these patients safe while continuing to provide the care they need. 

Protecting Patients

It’s important that patients being treated at home such as the elderly, those with chronic illness or disability, those recovering from surgery or patients undergoing chemotherapy continue to be treated at home where their safety can be ensured. Without HHC workers, these patients could end up back in hospitals and care facilities which are expected to be pushed to their limits during this public health crisis. 

In order to continue caring for patients, HHC workers are taking extra hygiene precautions and closely monitoring their own health as well as their patients’ health. Because they treat individuals at home, these workers are some of the first healthcare providers who will spot possible cases of the disease and helpt to limit the spread among at-risk groups. Unfortunately, a shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and gowns impedes home care workers’ ability safely to treat patients.

Protecting HHC Workers

The shortage in PPE is currently being felt not only across the US, but around the world as well. Face masks, especially N95 masks that provide more protection than typical loose-fitting surgical masks, are a scarce and hot commodity. FEMA has begun to distribute PPE from their strategic reserve; the president is being urged to enact the Defense Production Act to increase PPE manufacturing in the private sector. In a race to buy the supplies they need, governments are engaging in a kind of bidding war causing prices to surge. Everyone is encouraged to donate any spare equipment to healthcare providers.

As HHC workers continue to diligently treat patients on the front lines, we encourage everyone to consider them for any donations of masks, gloves and gowns so they can continue to treat at-risk clients at home and away from hospital facilities. 

CompanyMileage Supports HHC Workers

Home care providers play a unique role in our fight against COVID-19, meeting patients in their own homes where they are at lower risk of contamination. In order to help HHC workers be as mobile as possible, CompanyMileage makes mileage and expense reimbursement an easy and straightforward process. With so much going on, the last thing we want workers to be concerned with is recording odometer readings and filling out expense reports. Our mileage reimbursement software automates these processes so they can get back to work without worry of their travel going unreimbursed. 

CompanyMileage stands with our home healthcare clients. During a public health crisis like we’ve never seen before, we pledge our help however we are able, and we encourage others to do the same.