Caregiver COVID-19 Questions

Other COVID-19 links: COVID-19 Information in Other Languages | Training & Deadlines | COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 has greatly impacted caregiving. Protecting caregiver safety, health and stability as you are on the frontline is more important than ever.

Below are some answers to the top questions coming from caregivers right now. We recognize that there are still great challenges you may be facing and these answers will not address them all. This page will be updated as more is learned about COVID-19 and what is being done to address the outbreak.

Questions answered below include:

How do I get my COVID-19 vaccination or booster?

Get all the details you need to get vaccinated on the vaccine webpage for caregivers.

 

What is the current training deadline extension for Basic Training and Continuing Education (CE)?

Washington state has extended the deadline for caregiver training requirements until the end of the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Department of Health (DOH) are in charge of setting new deadlines for caregivers.

Learn more about the new Basic Training and Continuing Education deadlines and how to complete your requirement on the Caregiver Learning and Technology Support page.

How do I enroll in Basic Training?

If you are an Individual Provider, you can enroll in Basic Training by contacting the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200. They are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Agency Providers should contact their employer to enroll.

Please note that you will be receiving more information about what training your need to complete and how to enroll by email depending on your hire date.

Learn more on the Caregiver Learning and Technology Support page.

 

What is class like now that classes have restarted?

Classes will look very different! See the Classroom Policies and Procedures webpage for more information about how the class experience has changed in order to keep you safe and comfortable.

What do I do if I'm sick?

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for guidance on what to do if you feel sick.

What do I do if my client is sick?

Please see two publications from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS):

How can I get Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Individual Providers (IPs) can ask online for a 31-day supply of PPE – including surgical masks, gloves, gowns and face shields. Agency Providers (APs) should contact their supervisors.

What if I lose hours?

There are several reasons caregivers are losing hours right now. Your particular situation will dictate what options are available to you.

SEIU 775 has several resources on their website. In particular, see the Lost Hours section of their COVID-19 webpage. In addition to a list of various resources like unemployment and worker’s compensation, they have a quiz available that can help determine which resources are right for you.

How can I get more hours?

Many healthy IPs are losing work hours due to COVID-19. If this has happened to you and you want to continue working, try Carina, the website that connects caregivers with clients. There are currently a high number of jobs available that you can apply for. 

On the Carina blog there are also resources that might help you through the process of finding a new client as well. Read the blog to learn: 

  • COVID-19 questions that a client may ask you. 
  • Where to get the latest COVID-19 information, and hygiene and safety precautions. 
  • Tips for conducting safe interviews.

What about hazard pay and other financial help?

Hazard pay is available for IPs. Visit the SEIU 775 website to learn more.

COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty about financial security. These are stressful times. To get help right now, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has created a list of financial resources, from mortgage payment help to utility payment emergency assistance programs and more.