Indiana Department of Health (IDH) Releases Update to Essential Family Caregivers (EFCs)
Applicable to NFs, LRCFs, Unlicensed AL
The decision to designate an EFC should be individualized and integrated with person-centered care planning. Realizing both the potential benefits and risks of allowing additional “essential” caregivers into the building, LTCFs should carefully consider the current status of COVID-19 in their facility and local communities prior to designating EFCs. If LTCF residents have been cohorted by COVID-19 status, EFCs are allowed in COVID-19 negative (green) areas only; an exception to this requirement is if the essential family caregiver has had COVID-19. is no longer transmissible and is within 90 days of their previous symptom onset date.
Essential Family Caregiver (EFC)
- Designation is at the sole discretion of the LTCF executive director (or designee) and only upon agreement by the resident (and/or their representative). This designation and agreement should outline what support will be provided by the EFC.
- A family member or other outside caregiver (e.g., friend, volunteer, private personal caregiver) age 18 or older who can provide regular (at least twice weekly) care and support to the resident.
- Schedule and amount of time in facility agreed upon in advance and no more than 2 hours per day (e.g., daily for 1 hour from Noon-1 p.m.).
- Provides care and support similar in nature as provided to residents by family members and other outside caregivers before the pandemic (e.g., help with meal set up, grooming, and companionship).
- A mask must be worn at all times while in the building, and frequent hand hygiene performed (other PPE may be required depending on care provided). If the support to be provided requires additional PPE, the EFC should meet with the facility’s infection control lead to be instructed on proper use prior to providing support.
- Physical distancing must be maintained with staff and other residents while in building.
- Sign-in upon arrival with screening as required of facility staff; agree to monitor their own symptoms and limit contacts outside the facility.
- A negative COVID-19 test is required before the EFC may be scheduled for support, and the EFC is subject to any regular testing required of facility staff.
Restriction or revocation of EFC status is at the sole discretion of the LTCF executive director (or designee), for example, of an individual who fails to follow physical distancing, PPE or other COVID-19 related rules.
