Senior HomeCare Guide during Covid-19 Epidemic
By Sarah Keller
Pre-COVID-19, home care is considered one of the most under-appreciated sectors in the healthcare industry. In essence, home care is the non-medical services that are provided to seniors so they can thrive and stay healthy at home.
Professional home care providers are employed to help seniors just discharged from the hospital or those who don’t want to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped prove that home care services can help seniors stay healthy, safe, and isolated even during times of uncertainty.
In a nutshell, COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a respiratory illness that can spread from one person to another. The COVID-19 virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
COVID-19 Virus: What We Know So Far
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the virus can spread from people in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person when they cough or sneeze. An individual can also get COVID-19 when they touch an object or surface with the virus and touch their nose, mouth, or eyes.
Some individuals can also be infectious even if they’re not showing any symptoms, which is why observing social distancing is considered crucial. Since seniors are especially vulnerable, it is recommended that they stay at home unless critically necessary.
Senior Home Care Basics During COVID-19
If you are a home care provider, it is your responsibility to observe all the precautions necessary to avoid becoming infected yourself. For starters:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food, touching surfaces, using the bathroom, or providing care
- When possible, avoid crowds.
- If you cough or sneeze, do so into a disposable tissue or the bend of your elbow.
- Refrain from touching your face, eyes, or nose.
- Clean surfaces at home that are frequently touched, including walkers, canes, handrails, and medical equipment.
Observe physical distancing but avoid social isolation.
One way to effectively minimize the risk of seniors catching COVID-19 is to limit in-person visits. Understandably, a similar set-up can be especially challenging for older adults who cherish time spent with loved ones and friends.
If anything, physical distancing does not always have to translate to loneliness or isolation. While it is vital to keep older adults safe, it is also crucial to keep in mind that social isolation might negatively impact their mental health and overall immunity.
When it comes to social contacts, it would be great to encourage seniors to think beyond the usual people they interact with. Checking in on a neighbor or saying hello to the delivery man or mail carrier can foster a sense of connectedness.
Also, with houses of worship closing their doors, congregants, especially seniors, may feel cut off and isolated. Undeniably, faith communities are a huge part of their social lives. To provide support, you can help them access services online to get spiritual comfort and solace.
Use technology to help them stay connected.
Use technology to make older adults feel less lonely and more involved during the pandemic by:
- Teaching them how to use video chats using tablets, smartphones,or laptops.
- Using apps that provide captions for those seniors with hearing challenges.
- Encouraging their loved ones and friends to write notes or send cards to lift their spirits
Encourage them to get involved.
To minimize feelings of loneliness and isolation, consider giving seniors a project they can work on. You can also find an activity you can do together, like organizing old photos or memorabilia. It can also be an excellent time to let them showcase their cooking abilities by teaching you a family recipe.
How to Minimize the Risk of COVID-19 Infection
Forego unnecessary doctor visits. If a senior under your care has a pre-existing condition that makes them especially vulnerable to the infection, consider postponing annual checkups, elective procedures, or other non-essential visits to the doctor.
To help them stay in touch with their doctors, check if they offer telemedicine or any other means they can communicate other than face-to-face.
Avoid non-essential travel. Encourage seniors to put off any non-essential trips like cruises that can expose them to the crowds.
Stock up on the basics. Consider it ideal to have at least two to three months’ worth of medications and at least two weeks’ worth of food, pet supplies, over-the-counter remedies, and other essentials. It would also be a good idea to find the delivery services available in your area.
Something to Think About
Looking after an elderly during a pandemic is no easy feat. However, as long as you keep yourself informed and revise care practices accordingly, you can help ensure they stay healthy, happy, and thriving.
About the Author
Sarah Keller is the Content Marketing Strategist of A To Z Home Care, a team of professional home care providers based in Phoenix, Arizona that specializes in long-term care for your loved ones. She enjoys riding horses and camping with her friends and family in her spare time.
About The Author
