Why Is In-Home Caregiving Considered An Essential Business?
During times of emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government may order the closure of all non-essential businesses. People can be asked to practice social distancing or shelter in place. However, workers from essential businesses are exempt from these requests because they provide vital services to an important industry or to the public. In-home caregiving is an example of an essential business because caregivers provide necessary services to the people in their care.
By now you may have heard that seven Bay Area counties are ordered to “Shelter in Place” in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. By definition, Alegre Home Care and its workforce are considered an “essential business” and will remain open and available to clients and employees 24 hours a day as usual.
What Is An Essential Business?
Typically, it is up to individual cities and states to decide what they consider to be essential businesses, but there are businesses that are universally considered to be essential to the well being of communities. Examples of essential businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area during the COVID-19 Shelter in Place include:
Healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, medical and mental health clinics, doctor offices, pharmacies, and in-home care agencies
Grocery stores, supermarkets, food banks, (varies)
Food cultivation
Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities
Banks and related financial institutions (varies)
Garbage and sanitation services and collection
Hardware stores, and plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining safety and sanitation
Restaurants and other prepared food facilities, but only for delivery or carry out
Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home
Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate
Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences
Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other authorized purposes
In-home care for seniors, adults, or children
Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children
Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities
Restaurants, bars, shopping malls, gyms, casinos, museums, and businesses that do not provide vital services are considered nonessential businesses.
Why Is In-Home Caregiving An Essential Business?
In-home caregivers have a special role providing essential services to seniors, people with disabilities, and children as their one-to-one care providers. Home care services carry many benefits for people who want to recover from an illness, manage their disability, or age in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Caregivers help with daily tasks, chores, errands, medication reminders, range of motion exercises, appointments, meal preparation, and more.
Caregiving is a strenuous and difficult undertaking that requires more time and expertise than most people are aware of. Home care services often go far beyond the scope of helping with basic daily tasks. Caregivers from reputable in-home care agencies, such as Alegre Home Care, receive specialized training and have experience with a variety of medical conditions.
Do You Need In-Home Care Services?
One of the main benefits of in-home care is that it can be tailored to the specific needs of each individual person. This means that some people may need memory care while others may need care for children with special needs. In-home care services are particularly essential during times of crisis because caregivers understand the ways in which their clients will be affected and can adjust care plans accordingly.
As our community continues to work together to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Alegre Home Care is taking precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and employees. If you or a loved one needs in-home care services, please reach out to Alegre Home Care at one of our Northern California locations.
