How are caregivers, veterans, and families getting access to COVID-19 testing kits?

2020-03-21T10:53:49-04:00

With many elderly veterans being high risk and needing in-home care, how are the part-time and full-time caregivers getting tested to provide care? Or, what is the plan to prioritize them?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 21 at 2020 11:10 AM

2020-03-21T11:10:04-04:00

Cc: Kristie Thibodeau Melissa Comeau Tiffany Bodge COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 21 at 2020 11:10 AM

2020-03-21T11:10:40-04:00

Capt Brandon Charters Just like MSgt David Hoffman's comment - Good question.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 21 at 2020 11:25 AM

2020-03-21T11:25:15-04:00

Capt Brandon Charters I'm a fulltime caretaker for my 84-year old mother who is a 3 time stoke survivor and we have kept her in the house now for over a month with no outside contact, not even at the door. Both the wife and I have self-quarantined for about three weeks and are working out of the house since then. We've both been tested through the drive-threw centers to make sure we we'ren't carriers of the virus (god to go). We've hunkered down and sticked up on the important things without gouging food or supplies like most have. We're good in the house for the next 6 to 8 weeks and we'll take the necessary precautions when during resupply - We're golden so far and hopefully what we've done many can follow as well Brandon!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 11:27 AM

2020-03-21T11:27:26-04:00

I see nothing that prioritizes anyone for being a caregiver. Testing is based on the criteria in this link. I see nothing that addresses testing if the caregiver isn't a Veteran or not on TRICARE.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/17/how-va-and-tricare-users-can-get-tested-coronavirus.html/amp

How VA and Tricare Users Can Get Tested for Coronavirus

The U.S. military says it has plenty of coronavirus tests ready to meet demand. But not everyone meets requirements to get tested.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 1:14 PM

2020-03-21T13:14:49-04:00

Great question. These are crazy times. Hopefully we learn to be more proactive in the future.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 6:49 PM

2020-03-21T18:49:22-04:00

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/21/us/west-virginia-coronavirus-patient-one-test/index.html

The story behind West Virginia's 'no coronavirus' statistic

How one woman fought to get her husband tested while her state was applauded for having no coronavirus cases.

Response by Kristie Thibodeau made Mar 23 at 2020 10:03 AM

2020-03-23T10:03:21-04:00

I can't speak to the testing access or priorities, but I do hope that caregivers are leaning in on technology to maintain connection and support during these isolating times. AARP wrote a good article for those in facilities https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/questions-for-quarantined-facility.html....and also one for at home family caregivers https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2020/caregiving-isolation-quarantine.html?intcmp=AE-HP-BB-LL1 . If you are looking for a tool to help communicate and coordinate support for daily tasks, check out http://www.CaringBridge.org/military or download their app from the app store.

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