Senior Care During COVID-19

Every day, thousands of older adults across the nation depend on in-home caregivers to help them manage everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, medication reminders, and preparing meals – especially during an unprecedented crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic.

During this time of isolation and social distancing, many people have found their role as caregivers for their elderly loved ones is still an essential part of their life. Caregivers need to quickly adapt if they wish to remain safe during this epidemic.

Whether it’s shielding older adults from the flu or a harmful virus, caregivers practice proper hygiene to reduce health risks for seniors. They exercise frequent handwashing and disinfecting inside a senior’s household to keep contagious illnesses and viruses at bay. They also take special precautionary measures to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces such as:

• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Counters
• Cabinets
• Phones
• Remote controls
• Handles on toilets and faucets
• And more

Here are some more suggestions and tips for caregivers during this unprecedented time:

• Take care of yourself – This is the first and basic thing you can do if you are a caregiver. You need to take all the necessary steps to avoid becoming infected.
• Avoid crowds and practice social distancing
• Do not touch your face
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should wash your hands before and after you provide care, use the restroom, or while preparing food.
• Be socially and physically distant – You need to limit any and all in-person visits. A great strategy is to shelter in place. Avoid places where people congregate, especially health care facilities.
• Help others with technology – As you practice social distancing, remember to find ways to still connect with others. If possible, help those whom your take care of have a way to use modern technology to stay connected to the outside world. It may take some extra work on your part to set up or explain, but show them how to video chat using a smartphone or laptop. Take the necessary step to ensure that the device is properly sanitized before they use it each time. There are apps available to help provide captions for those with difficulty in hearing.
• Help encourage them – Ask family and friends outside of their home to write notes or call them to make sure that they are not lonely.
• Postpone doctor appointments – Help them postpone any and all elective procedures, annual checkups, and anything else that is non-essential at this time.  Many medical facilities are offering a way to communicate through video or email, instead of face-to-face.
• Make a plan – In these times of unknown, it is wise to discuss ahead of time who can take care of them if you become ill. Also, plan to schedule deliveries. Be sure to think ahead of their medications and food and supplies. Many companies offer delivery services so that you do not have to go out for groceries or medications. It is suggested to have a three-month supply of all chronic medicines. Remember to include nutritional supplements and disposable undergarments, if needed for those you care for.

If you or a loved one develops symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fever, or cough, contact your doctor or urgent care facility immediately. For a medical emergency, such as severe shortness of breath or high fever, please call 911.