HINT: What is suggested for family caregiver use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Connected Care Quick Hits are up to date and evidence based recommendations for the care of children with medical complexity & technology dependence, from hospital to home.

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HINT: What is suggested for family caregiver use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?

SITUATION: 

This week’s QuickHit! comes from questions asked by families and community/ home care providers who have asked what is suggested practice for the use of masks for family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic period?

BACKGROUND:

The care for children with medical complexity requires close monitoring, frequent interventions and reliance on multiple care providers. One of the challenges associated with COVID-19 is the chance of an infected person, who feels healthy, transmitting the virus to someone in close contact. Family caregivers of children in community/ home care partner in the provision of their child’s care and may not always be able to maintain physical distancing. Many prefer to use facial coverings or masks to help limit potential spread of COVID-19.

ASSESSMENT:

The use of masks by family caregivers may add a level of safety for others including family members, children, health care providers and family caregivers themselves. Many family caregivers choose to wear a mask whenever there is risk that they cannot maintain 6 feet or 2 meters between themselves and others. There is an opportunity for community/home care providers to educate families on the safe use of masks, including their reuse, proper hand hygiene and safe donning and doffing

RECOMMENDATION:

In response to this question, Connected Care recommends that wearing a mask can help lower the risk of community spread of COVID-19 and encourages community/home care providers and family caregivers review best practice in the use of masks.

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For safely storing masks for reuse:

Reuse of masks that are not wet, soiled or damaged is also recommended during the pandemic period. Safe storage of masks for reuse by family caregivers in community/home care is achieved by placing them on a dry piece of paper towel or container placed out of reach.

For trusted information from AboutKidsHealth to share with families click here to visit the COVID-19 Learning Hub

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