Elderly individuals have increasingly decided to age within the comfort of their own homes, but they often require some form of care to ensure they can lead a safe and healthy life. For some, care is only needed on a part-time basis and include a little light household help, or it may be full-time and entail everything from personal care (bathing, dressing toileting) to meal preparation and transportation services.
Some families are fortunate enough to provide such care for their loved themselves, but this is not always the case. To meet these needs, Caregivers are hired to visit individuals’ homes to provide in-home care.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there might be concerns about people entering others’ residences. This is especially the case with elderly individuals because adults who are 60 and older are more vulnerable to severe symptoms of the coronavirus. Seniors with preexisting medical conditions are even more susceptible to the worst of COVID-assistinghands.com/19/78/virginia/richmond/services/”>home care services.
Knowing this, make sure Caregivers who look after individuals use these following tips to ensure everyone’s safety during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wear a Mask
Caregivers are among the workers who cannot always practice social distancing when performing their jobs. But, for both their and their client’s well-being, it is still crucial that they remain safe while providing senior care. This can be done by wearing a mask or other face covering. It should be worn over both the nose and mouth. While this does not completely prevent the spread of coronavirus, wearing a mask will greatly decrease the risk.
Seniors should also wear face coverings when within six feet of their Caregiver. However, according to the CDC, seniors should not wear a mask if they have breathing problems or require help to take it off.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is one of the best ways to combat COVID-19, so it is important that Caregivers and the individuals they care for practice good hygiene.
Hand Washing
Most notably, people need to wash their hands properly. When washing your hands, use soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds, getting between all fingers and beneath fingernails, too. Wash your hands before and after handling, preparing, and eating food, and before and after using the bathroom. If you went out to a public place, you should wash your hands upon your return home as well.
Do Not Spread Germs
While it is important to wash your hands, it is equally important to do your part in preventing the spread of germs. Washing your hands alone will not stop the illness from spreading.
When you cough or sneeze, you spread germs to others and surrounding surfaces. This is why you should cough and sneeze into your elbow or — better yet — a tissue. Furthermore, avoid touching your face to further prevent germs from entering your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean on a Regular Basis
Aside from your hands, you also want to maintain a clean home. The more often you remove lingering germs and bacteria from a property, the less chance there is for any inhabitants to become ill. That said, caregivers should help their clients by regularly disinfecting and cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched frequently. This includes but is not limited to doorknobs, phones, handrails, light switches, remote controls, and any medical equipment.
Encourage Other Means of Socialization
While many Caregivers also double as companions to the individuals they care for, many elderly individuals enjoy having family and friends over to socialize. However, such visits need to be limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Socialization is important for people of all ages, so the decision to cease visits can be saddening for individuals. In fact, the lack of visits can cause individuals to experience feelings of loneliness or even depression. But a physical distance does not mean socialization needs to end. People can stay connected to family and friends with technology.
Caregivers should make an effort to help the individuals they care for by teaching them to conduct video chats on their phone/laptop/computer. While it may not be the same as in-person visits, video calls can help make the distance feel smaller. There are even ways to have online watch parties, so people can still have movie nights with family and friends.
Assisting Hands Richmond – COVID-19 Protocols / Procedures
Within home care services we offer, a Caregiver will be assigned to provide your loved one with the care they need to maintain a safe, healthy life at home.
Among the tasks our Caregivers help with are personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. Furthermore, we always customize our Care Plans to the client to ensure their unique care needs are met. In the event that a Caregiver is sick, we will have a qualified replacement Caregiver to provide care.
Assisting Hands Richmond is taking additional precautions relative to providing Home Care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. These protocols will stay in place until no longer required by the CDC.
With help from the in-home care services at Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond, you can feel at ease knowing that your elderly loved ones can receive the care and assistance they need even in the midst of a pandemic. Give us a call at (804) 500-9787 to schedule a free consultation.
