Interim HealthCare Inc. Commends State and Federal Leaders' Steps to Recognize Home Care's Essential Role in Responding to COVID-19

SUNRISE, Fla., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare Inc., the nation's leading franchise network of home care, senior care, home health and hospice and healthcare staffing services, today issued a statement commending the United States Department of Homeland Security's decision to recognize the home care industry as "essential" to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Interim HealthCare is adamant in advocating for home health clinicians across the spectrum who continue to provide the highest quality of care amid state-wide orders to "stay at home" or self-quarantine to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

The following statement is issued by Interim HealthCare Inc., President and CEO, Jennifer Sheets:

"Many of our clients, their families, communities and especially our caregivers have been deeply affected by COVID-19. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this outbreak.

"COVID-19 has surpassed a public health status this country hasn't seen in over 100 years. However, we believe home care providers will play a significant role in our recovery as individuals and as a nation. For more than 50 years, the home care industry has stood at the ready, but only in recent weeks has it become abundantly clear that we – home-based healthcare clinicians – are integral to how this country can meet the increase in healthcare demand. With our high standard of clinical care and training that matches any hospital, we are ready to welcome and care for individuals discharged from hospitals in the comfort of their homes. The home care industry has the proven experience to care for even the most vulnerable patients, including those in intensive care or in need of ventilators, the only impediment to taking on the surge in demand is, like the rest of the healthcare system, the lack of personal protective equipment.      

"I have devoted the past weeks and days to working hand-in-hand with industry experts and federal and state task forces reviewing, addressing and advocating for the home care industry's critical role in this pandemic – and continue to do so. Together, we've helped lead discussions with Vice President Pence, CMS Administrator, Seema Verma, Deputy Administrator, Caulder Lynch, the Department of Homeland Security and many top state officials. During these talks, we remained steadfast in our fact-based belief that home care is the solution to not only help more people receive the care they need, but also to prevent further spread of this virus. We are pleased with the Department of Homeland Security's call to name home care and hospice industry workers as critical employees – a crucial step in supporting our those impacted in our communities nationwide.

"Now is the time for home care. Interim HealthCare clinicians and caregivers are equipped with training, resources and experience to provide complex, high-acuity care in an independent setting when other nurses and medical assistants in hospitals or nursing homes need backup support. To our nation's leaders, and medical experts working night and day to keep our country safe and healthy – our network of franchise businesses throughout the country, my leadership team and I thank you. We also invite responsive, actionable and innovative thinking during this crisis. We remain hopeful and strident that with recent loosening regulations, including the path-clearing support of telehealth, the healthcare ecosystem will give the home healthcare industry the respect it deserves and empower us to help fight this virus head-on, together."

-- End of Statement--

Interim HealthCare CEO Leads and Advocates for Resources, New Policies and Protection:

In addition to leading the U.S. market's team of owners and operators within the Interim HealthCare Inc. brand, Ms. Sheets oversees an experienced team of leaders at Caring Brands International including, Bluebird Care in the United Kingdom and Ireland and Just Better Care in Australia, who lead the charge worldwide to bring high-quality home care to their communities. This international vantagepoint enables the companies to leverage their combined resources, support and subject matter expertise across international borders in this time of crisis.

Leading the Next Wave of Home Care:

Recognizing her influence as an industry leader, Ms. Sheets was invited to partake in the Home Care Association of America's newly established Medical Advisory Council. She will advocate for home care's leadership when hospitals embrace their surge phase, reach capacity and need a continuum of care partner to help extend care beyond the four-walls and limited beds of a hospital. This is one of many examples where representing the voice of the home care industry is so critical.

Advocating for New Policies and Protections:

With recent stay-at-home mandates and curfews in place, unfortunately law enforcement officials are erroneously pulling over clinicians on their way to serve home care clients and requiring them to return home. Interim HealthCare's latest focus is asking state and local law enforcement agencies to recognize the need of clinicians and caregivers to get to their nighttime shifts and patient cases.

With more than 50 years of home care experience, Interim HealthCare is prepared to bring the frontline of the home care industry forward to provide its clinical and hands-on expertise to advise the nation's leaders, deliver needed care to stem the surge of this crisis and improve the health of our communities.

For more information on what Interim HealthCare is doing to protect its clients, please visit https://www.interimhealthcare.com/about-interim-healthcare/covid-19-update/.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

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SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc.