COLORADO SPRINGS — Just about every form of business is changing through COVID-19. Not only is it changing, but financially, business is impacted.
Even in one of the most essential businesses right now- health care.
"It's kind of business as usual," Danielle Weidner, Home Health Administrator with Interim HealthCare said, "I'm not going to say that our business is booming, it's not."
Weidner says while no nurses or therapists have been furloughed, that's not the case for some members of the sales staff. However, the nurses at her company are facing additional risks- while going into others homes.
Weidner says some homes nurses enter into there are additional family members or others at the home. She says they've had to educate some patients on proper isolation and social distancing.
"They are putting their patients first and their fears last," Weidner said, "it's been tough, it's been tough, it's been stressful."
Nurses Gabriella Aguiniga, an LPN with Interim HealthCare are among those working in home health care right now. Although she hasn't seen a COVID patient, says she's seeing a change in the patients she works with.
"They are scared, rightfully so,"Aguiniga said" the dynamic has changed."
Aguiniga sees several patients, and she says she's seen less than usual with COVID-19 concerns rising. While not a lot has changed in her line of work, she's taking new steps and precautions to ensure safety everyday.
"One thing that I am doing is, when I'm taking their vitals, is kind of celebrate those moments when they don't have a fever like "hey you don't have a fever!" Aguiniga said.
Weidner has been impressed with the community support towards the business, " "we've had volunteers giving homemade masks for our patients and that has helped," Weidner said. She added restaurants and yoga instructors have even stepped in to offer help to those on the front lines.
