Should home care workers wear a face mask at their client's homes during the COVID-19 pandemic?

My sister (who took over my PCG duties) reported at the very beginning (mid-March), she discussed same with the caretaker (4 hrs., 5 days/wk.). Caregiver lives with a sister and mother. She basically told my sis that her household is conscientious and follows the guidelines, but she didn't and doesn't wear a mask. My sister was o.k. with that. Actually, there are 7 other family members that come & go, and they don't wear masks in the house, either. They all claim they're behaving conservatively and responsibly. This situation has brought out issues like trust, and how well we know other people (what they might think is 'conservative', I may perceive as careless). Looking forward to reading responses!

YES! The most vulnerable people are over 65. I'm 66 and am ready to meet my maker but, I pray it's not like that. My 90 year old mother lives with me and had home health come in once a week to dust, vaccum and visit. She is capable and willing to do more but, it's not necessary, I help with her shower and personal care. I put us in lockdown in March. Only the most foolish person would go into an elderly's home without masking, washing there hands and forearms with antibacterial soap and then put on a clean smock/covershirt.

These is new ground for everyone in the west and the choices are yours. Demand the minimal protection or play russian roulette.

Hi everyone. Thank you for all of your responses. I will read them again when I have more time tomorrow. I really appreciate all of the feedback.

I’ve been checking in by phone at my parents' house at different times of the day, and the aide hasn't been wearing a face mask when I've called. And this is when she's within 6 feet of my dad. My parents want the aide to wear a mask, and hopefully they'll say something to her asap, but I'm not sure if she'll do what they ask, because she has an attitude at times and doesn’t always follow their requests, and she gets emotional (cries) when my parents ask her not to do something, so they sometimes feel uncomfortable making a request. They shouldn't feel this way in their own home. I asked my mom to display a sign stating that all workers in their home are to wear a mask, so I'll have to check back again on that sign (I'm unable to go to my parents' house at this time, or I'd make the sign for them).

I contacted my state's consumer protection agency and asked whether home aides should be wearing a mask, and the person who responded seemed concerned and said that someone from a different department should get in touch with me. I also contacted a professional home companion agency that has been in business for many decades, and they told me that they require all of their aides to wear face masks and, depending on the level of care, other PPE. They seem really professional, as opposed to the agency who my parents currently have, and my parents desperately want to have a more professional agency.

I don't mean to sound rude, but I care and because I care, I'm going to tell it like it is! I worked in a care facility, in private homes and also volunteered at a care facility and in the middle of a pandemic where your parents are the most vulnerable age group, this is a SERIOUS concern! Plus, caregivers are dealing with multiple clients in very intimate situations! If I EVER saw a caregiver not taking EVERY precaution, I would fire them on the spot! No excuse for not wearing a mask.... NONE! A mask can be hand sewn and made at home! Also, just an idea--- there's folks with 3-D printers and they're soon going to be able, if not already, to GIVE the plans for a reusable N95 mask! You can check it out online! If you don't have a printer, I'm sure you could find someone to make you a few of them! You may have to pay a bit of money, but for what you are getting and for the safety of your family, it's well worth it! Another thing- that crying crap the caregiver pulls is unprofessional and needs to be addressed! God bless you and your family!

Arwen, my brothers nurse an RN got insulted when she came into our house for his nurse visit, and asked me if the masks we were wearing was for her protection or ours, I replied it was for both. I want my elderly mother safe, and the rest of the family. I am not taking any chances. We could die from this dreadful disease.

Hopefully now it's a few weeks later, this issue has been resolved for you?

Our health advice was to only wear masks if sick (to protect others) or if you have a health problem (to protect yourself). Sick people must stay home of course, but may need to go out briefly for medical appointments.

EMTs seem to wear masks when in close proximity to people but lower them when not.

My sister gets home carers & I asked if they wore masks. I was surprised when she said sometimes, but not all the time! But then I realised they may be doing as the EMTs are. Since our community transfer is low, I thought this is probably ok?

Then I found out my sister had cold symptoms (runny nose, headache, sore throat & cough). I just HOPE she told each of the multiple carers visiting she had symptoms! These carers have lists of clients each. I am horrified. I have phoned the agency to ensure all her carers have full PPE & are alerted.

Yes, everyone needs to wear a mask. The hard part is getting everyone to wear one.