BROOKLYN, N.Y. — To keep her elderly patient safe from COVID-19, Marie Deolall leaves nothing to chance making sure every area of her home is free of germs.

What You Need To Know

  • Marie Deolall has cared for her 101-year-old patient throughout the pandemic, making sure to keep her home free from germs

  • An estimated 400,000 home health workers are among the pandemic's unsung heroes, working in private settings with the most vulnerable

  • The city recently opened a vaccination site to help more home health aides get access to the vaccine

"Before she comes to the bathroom I sanitize it and then when she finish I clean it," said Deolall. "My bag got so much sanitizer. You know you got to protect yourself.”

It's just as important to her to protect Suzette Marcelin, the woman she’s come to care for like a member of her own family.

“At one o’clock, when I finish I give her a snack then we watch tv. She likes Days of Our Lives," Deolall said.

It’s a responsibility she takes seriously. At 101 years old Marcelin is vulnerable to the worst effects of the virus.

Home health aides like Deolall, who is provided by RiverSpring Health Plans, are among the unsung heroes of the pandemic. An estimated 400,000 home care workers across the state have risked their own health to continue working in private settings like this Brooklyn apartment since the start of the pandemic.

“I never really call out from the time I’m at work. I usually make sure I come to work because the patient needs me," said Deolall.

The 52-year-old says despite the risks it’s been a joy taking care of Marcelin. Both women are from Haiti and have bonded over memories of home and the wisdom she says Marcelin has shared over the past eight years she’s worked with her.

“She always tells you stories, what happened to her back in those days," said Deolall. “So I love to work with her.” 

Deolall is now hoping to get vaccinated. the city opened a vaccination site in Brownsville, saying it would give priority to local residents and home health aides - but when NY1 visited Tuesday, we did not find that to be the case. The advocacy group Home Care Association of New York State says a survey found that so far only 25% of workers have gotten a dose.

“I encourage everybody to get the vaccine, to protect yourself, your family and those patients," said Deolall.

Until she can get vaccinated she’ll continue doing all she can to give Marcelin the best and safest care possible.