Family-focused home care plan during a COVID 19 epidemic: A consensus statement by the PAFP task force on COVID 19

ABSTRACT

Initial Planning@#Statement 1 Develop a Family-focused Care Plan that contains tasks and activities related to the family structure, home environment and processes in order to mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic@*Adjustment in the Family Structure and Home Environment@#Statement 2 Identify a Family Caregiver who will remind the family to follow and implement the plan. Make sure this person is supported by all the members of the family. Statement 3 Identify a room or area that can be used for isolation in the event that a family member will be exposed to a diagnosed COVID-19 patient. Statement 4 Identify those who are at risk i.e. more than 60 years old, with existing chronic illness or other life-threatening condition and advice to take extra precaution. Statement 5 During the declared community quarantine period, all family members should stay at home, limit family celebrations, avoid home parties with outside guests, cancel travels as much as possible and be ready to have more members staying at home@*Performance of Routine Tasks and Activities @#Statement 6 Practice personal hygiene that includes regular and appropriate hand washing, daily bath, cough and sneezing etiquette, minimize hand contact with eyes, nose and mouth and strict personal use of eating utensils, bath towels, etc. Statement 7 Daily cleaning of frequently touched surface like doorknobs, light and appliance control switch, gadgets, armchairs and tabletops. Cleaning agents can be ordinary detergents and water or 70% alcohol@*What to Do When a Member is Exposed@#Statement 8 Advice an exposed family member to stay home and in the room or area allocated for isolation, wear mask and maintain at least 2 meters physical distance from the other family members. Make sure their clothing, personal belongings and other things that they usually hold is cleaned regularly and not touch by other members. Statement 9 Watch out and monitor for the appearance of symptoms like fever, colds and cough. If the person exposed is low risk and there is difficulty of breathing or worsening of symptoms, consult your family doctor. If the person is high risk i.e. elderly or with exiting chronic disease and symptoms appear, consult your family doctor right away. Call first before going to the clinic or hospital. Statement 10 If the symptoms are mild, continue home quarantine, take over-the-counter medications like paracetamol for fever, increase water intake and ensure adequate nutrition, sleep and rest. Other family members are encouraged to provide psychological and social support to an exposed and isolated member. Statement 11 Symptoms usually resolved within 14 days, after which home quarantine can be discontinued between 14-21 days. If symptoms persist beyond 14 days consult your family doctor for advice