Bayside Community Network

Sick Policy

Being a caregiver is a full-time job that can be stressful. It can be even more stressful when the person you care for becomes ill. Your loved one will get sick from time to time and may need to stay home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days missed. Attached you will find guidelines on when you should send your loved one in or when you will need to keep them home.

If you are keeping them home due to illness don’t forget to communicate with Bayside’s nursing department. It is always best practice to inform one of Bayside’s nurses so that direct care staff can be educated, the more we know about your loved one the better prepared we can be. Don’t forget to report injuries, emergency room visits and changes in their health status such as a new diet or assistive device.

When your loved one is sent home by nursing staff, they will be excused from Bayside Community Network the entire following day as well, to allow them time to heal and their symptoms improve.

If your loved one has missed 3 consecutive days (3 days in a row) due to illness, a note from their physician or a detailed note from their family or guardian will be required for them to return. An assessment will be performed by a nurse to determine if they are able to remain at the Day Program for the day. If the physician has prescribed medication that must be given to your loved one while at Bayside, a doctor’s order as well as a pharmacy label on the medication is required. The same is needed for all over the counter medications.

Don’t forget to send in supplies if your loved one is diabetic (tester, strips, insulin, needles, etc…) or if they have orders for a rescue inhaler (asthma) or an epi-pen (anaphylaxis), a change of clothes, pull ups, etc.

If you ever have questions about keeping your loved one home please consult with Bayside’s nursing department.

Thank you,
Tanya Ruth, RN
Director of Nursing