May 12, 2021

ALL PERSONS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE IN FLORIDA

The Food & Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 years of age or older. To obtain the vaccine in Florida, individuals 12-18 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian.

April 5, 2021

All individuals age 18 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information, please visit: www.flgov.com

March 29, 2021

Beginning Monday, March 29, all individuals age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

For more information, please visit: www.flgov.com

December 30, 2020

In an effort to continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and keep our clients and staff safe, our organization has been able to implement a rapid testing program for staff. This effort was possible due to the donation of COVID-19 rapid test kits from the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). The organization is now providing the possibility for any staff to get tested once a month or as needed. Currently, over 430 staff members have participated in the program.

Jewish Family Home Care responds to Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Home Health Needs of the Elderly

Q&A by Teresa Duvall, CEO, Jewish Family Home Care

August 3, 2020

by South Florida Hospital News

Q: What were the challenges for your agency early on in the pandemic?

A: PPE was priority. Thankfully, we began preparing early. Later on as the supply chain dwindled, it was a littler harder to come by but always made it a priority. Then, as the supply pipeline improved, we started looking for a centralized location to distribute PPE to our caregivers. That is when we received a donation of a centrally-located storefront, which is now used exclusively for PPE distribution.

Q: What are some of the challenges you find when an individual is confined to their home?

A: I would say that dealing with social isolation was the most difficult issue for them. Loneliness and lack of interaction with families and friends can cause depression in people who may be very active. But when their social interaction and mobility is restricted, it is not uncommon for physical health issues to occur.

Q: How did you help them and continue to do so today?

A: We continue to conduct wellness calls to see how they are doing. Our aides have become armchair multimedia specialists, helping their clients overcome these communications and socialization obstacles. We try to make sure they have access to a computer or tablet and an internet connection. Our aides encourage and assist them to speak with family and friends. For those that we believe are suffering with depression, we refer them to the appropriate specialist(s) that can assist.

Q: What are some of the health and physical issues the elderly experience?

A: With Covid-19 limiting the amount of activity and interaction everyone is experiencing, we are finding that our elderly clients are becoming weaker from not getting out and being able to use their muscles. Some of our clients are currently receiving physical therapy from our subsidiary agency, Nursing Plus of Broward. Others, are being encouraged and assisted by their caregiver to move about as much as possible. In addition, our caregivers are instructed to report any changes in their client’s condition.

Q: What are the priorities for your team going forward?

A: In this challenging time, the wellness & safety of our clients and team is our top priority. Good communication with our clients and their families and healthcare providers continue to be a high priority. We believe we will get through this; the last five months have shown that. We will move forward by assuring you peace of mind by providing compassionate, reliable, and trusting care for your loved one.

COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Updates