Most of my attendants have been working with me for close to a decade. As I started learning how serious the coronavirus is, I required my attendants to wear masks and gloves which I provided for them. All of my attendants were receptive to this policy except one. This attendant would argue with me and tell me that the virus was just a form of the flu, and people would get over it. To be honest, I sort of believed him in the beginning. But then one of my other attendants came down a serious respiratory infection with a severe cough and occasional fever. My attendant was told it could possibly be bronchitis but to be perfectly honest; she doesn't know if it was COVID. Then two more of my attendants became ill and I became sick behind all three of them. When I became sick doctors were no longer accepting in person appointments. My friends and attendants were strongly recommending that I call urgent care. I first called an advice nurse. I had severe nasal and head congestion with a significant cough. The nurse told me that, 'She was concerned about me' given that I am physically disabled and have asthma. The advice nurse put me in contact with a COVID doctor. After talking to the doctor, he explained that it was quite possible that I could have bilateral pneumonia. He treated me for it. He then went on to tell me that in his findings, bilateral pneumonia is a form of COVID. This is why my attendant that has worked with me for 10 years and won't wear a mask is so upsetting. He's risking my health and the health of everyone who comes into my apartment, including his own. I will be writing an official policy regarding how I wish all my attendants function in my house in order to try to keep the coronavirus at bay. I am willing to hear suggestions in regards to this coronavirus policy. But if this attendant does not abide by the policy, I will have to let them go. Are you or other folks with disabilities you know, dealing with similar issues? Do you have ideas for a COVID - 19 attendant care policy? Let's talk about it.
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2020
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