COVID-19 Update: 2/18/2021

Our True Care family has been working around the clock to ensure the health and safety of our courageous caregivers and valued clients. We always want to keep you up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information as it becomes available, especially in regards to the vaccine. Our latest development brings good news! There are three more facilities that  are now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all True Care HHAs that bring in their work ID. Here are the locations of the facilities and their times of operation:

INTERFAITH MEDICAL CENTER

1545 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Open 7:00 AM - 3:45 PM, 7 days a week - No appointment needed

KINGSBROOK JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER

585 Schenectady Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Open 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM, 7 days a week  - No appointment needed

BROOKDALE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

1 Brookdale Plaza, Brooklyn, NY  11212

Open 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM, 7 days a week -  Appointment needed – Please call 718-240-5544 to schedule your appointment

Vaccine Eligibility Update

Everyone over the age of 64 years old and frontline workers in most industries are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As of February 15, 2021, people with certain medical conditions also became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in New York State. 

Those conditions include the following: 

• • • Cancer
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Lung Diseases
    • Intellectual and developmental disabilities
    • Heart conditions
    • Immunocompromised
    • Obese and severly obese
    • Pregnant
    • Sickle Cell
    • Diabetes
    • Neurological conditions
    • Liver Disease

Follow these steps to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine:

1. 1. 1. Determine your eligibility https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call 1-833-697-4829 OR go to the NYC website here 
      2. Complete the vaccine form https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine 
      3. Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment (examples: proof of employment, proof of identification, medical information)

True Care encourages all of our dedicated health care workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as per New York City, New York State, and Federal recommendations. If you have any questions about the vaccine, please call our COVID-19 hotline at 929-474-9322 and a True Care Nurse will be in touch.

Other Illnesses in the News

There has been a recent increase in the number of E.coli infections in the United States. E.coli symptoms include diarrhea with a fever higher than 102 F, Diarrhea for more than 3 days, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that does not allow you to drink and keep fluids down. E.coli can be prevented with food safety including keeping your hands, utensils and cooking surfaces clean. Also raw food should be kept separate from cooked food and food should be kept refrigerated. 

Winter Weather Advisory

We have been experiencing some extreme winter weather, it's important to be prepared and stay safe before and during the winter storm.

Before the storm:

1. 1. 1. Listen to weather forecasts and check your supplies of food, water and necessary medications. 
      2. If the news reports a winter storm warning, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. If the news reports a blizzard warning, then expect high speed winds and decreased visibility for several hours or more. 
      3. If you have a car make sure the gas tank is near full, the tires have adequate pressure and the antifreeze if full. 

During the Storm:

1. 1. 1. Stay inside and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight/warm clothing will keep you warmer than a heavy sweater. 
      2. Eat regularly and drink adequate amounts of fluids. 
      3. Check on friends and family members, especially if they are older or live alone. 
      4. If you must go outside, dress warmly including layered clothing, gloves and a hat. 
      5. Keep dry and avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow, pushing a vehicle or walking in deep snow can create a strain on your body 
      6. Walk carefully, snow and ice may not be obvious and can be more slippery than expected. 

Once the storm is over we urge you to be extremely cautious if you do need to go out, as melting snow often turns into ice as below freezing temperatures continue. If power or heat go out in your home, bundle up and look out for signs of hypothermia in your loved ones, especially those who would be most at risk. We urge you to stay safe, stay warm, and stay indoors.