Each year since 2015, the third Friday in February is set aside as a day to honor the men and women who provide essential health care services to individuals and families throughout our country. Founded by the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA), National Caregivers Day shines the spotlight on the dedication health care aides demonstrate in taking care of those in long-term care, hospice care and home health care.
Caregivers are an important part of our health care system as we depend on them to provide everything from skilled nursing care and physical care to day-to-day companion care in the home, such as cooking meals, bathing and dressing the patient, and cleaning the house. These professionals provide patients and their families with preventive care management along with assistance with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiac care, in addition to managing wounds and prescription medications and administering essential therapies.
According to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), home care provides high-quality, compassionate care to more than five million Americans annually. Almost two-thirds of home care recipients are women and more than 69% are over the age of 65.
On National Caregivers Day, which fell on February 18 this year, words of gratitude and appreciation were encouraged. The NAHC used its social media platform to post regularly about caregivers and National Caregivers Day, and asked others to do the same. Hashtags #thankacaregiver and #nationalcaregiversday were used to show support.
Putting Caregiver Safety First
National Caregivers Day is not only a time to recognize and show appreciation to those selfless individuals who take care of others, it can also be a time for health care providers to reinforce their commitment and efforts to reduce hazards and improve caregiver safety with stronger risk management protocols. Health care workers routinely face risks associated with exposures to bloodborne pathogens, drug residue, ergonomic injuries related to lifting patients, and repetitive tasks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Taking steps to improve the workplace further underscores the importance we all place on caregivers.
Manchester Specialty Programs specializes in providing agents and brokers with totally integrated business insurance solutions to meet the needs of Home Care, Allied Health, and Human/Social Services organizations. We also provide risk management strategies through our carrier partners to help improve worker safety and minimize losses. For more information about how our products and services can help protect your insureds, please contact us at 855.972.9399.