Keeping Your Senior Safe During The Pandemic

By Marina Pink | November 20, 2020 |

There’s no doubt everyone had hoped the Covid-19 pandemic would be gone by this time. But unfortunately, with fall and winter just around the corner, it looks as though the spread of the virus is increasing, along with hospitalizations and deaths. As a caregiver of an aging parent, you may be wondering what you should do to help keep your parent well and virus-free during these upcoming months. Most of what we’ve learned already will stay the same, but it’s always good to review the CDC best practices with your parent and everyone who comes into contact with your parent so that everyone is on the same page.

Senior Care in Burbank CA: Pandemic Safety

Have your senior stay home as much as possible
While many people love to get out and about, now is the time for your senior to stay in her own home as much as possible. This may mean having someone else run errands for her or even providing some basic healthcare at home (such as administering medication or checking blood pressure). A home care provider can be a great resource for tasks both in the home and out of the home.
Practice social distancing
Unfortunately, now is not the time for butterfly kisses from the grand babies. It’s often difficult to remember to stay 6 feet away, especially from people you care about. As your parent’s caregiver, you will probably have to be the one to enforce this, whether it’s from reduced visits with the little ones or gentle reminders to stay a safe distance apart. Unless administering medication or performing a health monitoring function, you yourself, as well as the home care provider in your parent’s life, will also need to keep a safe distance away.
Get a flu shot
Not only should your aging parent get a flu shot this year, but so should everyone who comes in contact with him. As much as possible, you want to make sure your parent stays as healthy as he can in all aspects of life.
Wear a face mask
It’s important that anytime your aging parent does have to go out in public, he wears a face mask. Face masks help prevent the spread of Covid-19 through the air and will provide some protection as your parent is out and about. Anyone who comes into the home and isn’t a resident there, should also wear a mask. It can be hard asking people to put on a mask, and it may make your parent uneasy. Enlist the help of your home care provider to ensure this rule is being followed and put a sign on the front door for people to see as soon as they arrive.
Wash hands often
Use the 20-second rule to keep germs off the hands of your parent. As a caregiver, remind your parent the importance of washing hands anytime she’s been out in public or someone has been over to the house.
Disinfect high-touch areas
Places like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls and countertops should be disinfected often. A home care provider can help your parent stay on top of this task easily, so germs are not spread through second-hand contact.

Finally, remember as your family and your parent practices these guidelines, to keep mental health in mind. This can be an especially hard time on the mental health of the elderly as their fears and worries about the virus sometimes take over their every thought. Help your parent to stay positive while following the recommended guidelines, assuring him if any symptoms start, catching it quick for treatment is always best.

A home care provider can be of great assistance to keeping your parent safe and healthy during this pandemic. Your home care provider will stay up to date with the ongoing Covid-19 situation, making changes and recommendations along the way. You can also stay up to date by visiting the CDC website.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Senior Care in Burbank, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.