Protecting and Rewarding Staff for the Tremendous Work they Do Every Day

July 31, 2020 | Press Release

Bala Cynwyd, PA – Hands from the Heart Home Healthcare Services (HFTH) continues to adjust and adopt policies to meet the challenges that we all face due to COVID 19 (the coronavirus). The organization recently issued an important update on its efforts to protect and reward their staff for the tremendous work that they do every day.  What is outlined below are just some of the initiatives that HFTH has concluded are appropriate at this time.  HFTH will continue to consider new measures as developments occur.

Hazard Pay

HFTH distributed hazard payments of $500 to every full-time employee in June whose personnel files were up to date.  “We felt strongly that it was the right thing to do given the great work that our caregivers do on behalf of our clients,” says Saira Hairston, president of Hands from the Heart Home Healthcare Services. “Although we were one of the only a small number of agencies to make this type of commitment to our staff, we are focused on ways we can continue to make future payments of hazard pay as the coronavirus spreads.” Hands From The Heart will again distribute hazard pay to its employees, but this time will be expanding the payments to include all active employees who worked during the month of July, including part-time staff.  The payments will be made ranging from $125 to $500 per employee based on hours worked.

It is the agency’s hope to make continued hazard payments at least several more times over the next few months. The state and federal government are supporting additional benefits for front line healthcare workers and HFTH plans to seek public funding for our staff. For example, many of you may have heard about a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania program announced by Governor Wolf last week allowing for, among others, home care agencies to obtain grant funding to pay their workers hazard pay.  Moreover, HFTH is exploring other potential options for hazard pay funding.  This kind of financial support is critical for essential workers providing in home care.

Personal Protective Equipment Availability 

HFTH has provided PPE to staff since the beginning of this pandemic.  In response to feedback from staff, HFTH is adding regular pickup times at its locations for staff who need access to more PPE.  The agency will also be distributing new scrubs in the near future.

“We’re stepping up for our patients and caregivers. We’ve taken steps to supply our caregivers with quality PPE so they can safely visit patients in their homes and continue their care,” says Tiffany Waters, operations manager at HFTH. “The additional access to PPE, hazard pay and ongoing training helps reduce risk for our patients and caregivers.”

About Hands from the Heart Home Healthcare Services

Hands From The Heart is an expanding Pennsylvania privately owned and operated in home care company. We are committed to providing exceptional care to the Philadelphia, PA region and the people who live here. Our mission is to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive non-medical homecare services through compassionate and well-trained caregivers dedicated to supporting the unique lifestyles and specific needs of our clients and their families.