To the Abode Healthcare Community,
I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting each of us in different ways. As we navigate the current situation together, I want to provide an update on the steps we have taken to be there for our community, our employees, and our patients.
All of us at Abode Healthcare are focused on providing the highest quality of care to our patients. I provided an update at the end of March outlining the changes we implemented to prioritize safe patient care in this new environment. Every decision we have made, and continue to make, has been based on the priority of the health and wellbeing of our patients and employees.
I am deeply grateful for our employees who display incredible dedication by continuing to fulfill their commitment to our patients during this especially challenging time. These individuals, and everyone working on the frontlines of care, deserve to feel protected, confident, and taken care of.
In recent weeks we have made informed decisions and taken actions that ultimately support and benefit our entire community:
PPE: At the first sign of COVID-19, we prioritized spending where it’s needed most and to date, have purchased $1 million of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) so no one reported to work without protection. I’m proud to say that we’ve not had to turn down any patients due to lack of PPE. We’ve even been able to assist other homecare and hospice organizations, and hospitals serving the Navajo nation as well as other underserved populations, in providing supplies for their employees by donating thousands of PPE items. In addition to our company’s commitment, several executives on our team have made personal PPE donations for local health organizations so they can work safely.
Paid Leave: To support employees who risk their own health and safety to care for patients, we instituted a special paid-time-off policy modeled after the Families First Coronavirus Response Act designated for companies with fewer than 500 employees. In Abode’s plan, employees receive unlimited leave for issues relating to COVID-19, including a newly instituted emergency paid time off (EPTO) benefit that is in addition to the PTO employees accrue with regular benefits. These additional benefits allow employees to potentially recover from COVID-19, care for a family member who is ill with the virus, or care for children whose schools and daycares have closed.
Business Investment: Rather than cut back, we’ve leaned into the business to make sure that we are even better prepared to care for patients. Some of these actions include:
Building out our telehealth and remote care solutions
Retaining a dedicated, talented workforce
Hiring new employees and growing our team locally and nationally
Expanding our team’s knowledge with the addition of an infectious disease physician, Dr. Shannon Thorn
Charitable Donations: As we have every year, we continue to support charitable organizations in our communities. That will not stop just because of COVID-19. Support for neighbors, near and far, is needed now more than ever.
I am extremely proud of how everyone at Abode has reacted and handled the unique situation that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. It’s difficult to adequately express my appreciation for our community—patients, employees, and partners. I have been reminded, once again, what an incredible organization we have—one that is driven by a common purpose of caring for, and serving, vulnerable patients. Every member of our team has come together to do what’s right, and I thank you. We look forward to continuing to work together and supporting each other through this challenging time.
Stay safe and healthy,
MikeAT Home Care & Hospice is celebrating nurses during the month of May! Meet Stephany and learn about her passion for nursing as she describes her path to hospice nursing.
“It started when I was young; my father was the Chief Orthopedic Technician at Richmond Memorial Hospital (the old one on Westwood Ave). I would go to the hospital with him when he was called in and sit with the nurses at the nurse’s station or go with him to see a couple patients (he of course asked them first). I watched him put casts and halos on patients and adjust traction on some, so I always knew I wanted to do something to help people.
At first, my circumstances didn’t allow me to pursue a nursing career. Then, I began working my way towards my Associates Degree for my RN. At first, I worked in a hospital, and loved the people I worked with on nights. Eventually, the night shift interfered with other parts of my life, so I became a RN/CM at a home health company, shortly after I transferred to their Richmond location, and eventually made my way to ATHC. I finally made the decision that I needed a change and have loved the people I work at ATHC ever since. They have been so supportive and mentoring on how to do things that I had not done before; it has been amazing!Although I am sitting in a home office right now, I know that my job is essential in order to make sure each patient under my team is taken care of to the best of our ability. I miss seeing patients at times; seeing how they look at you when they are feeling sick or when you are there to brighten their day by being someone to talk to.Teaching patients how they can better take care of themselves and make themselves feel better is what it’s all about! It’s all worth it when one patient tells you that you’re a life saver, or just thanks you and smiles at you. Now, I love receiving those same phone calls and letters from patients about my team members!”
Today, we recognize our nurses for their hard work, support, and compassion. Because of you, we live in a happier, healthier world. Happy Nurses Day!
Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Now, more than ever, we appreciate you!
