With the current outbreak of COVID-19, it is important to make preparations for your loved one, so that you can better prepare them. Elderly individuals are more at risk for more severe cases of Coronavirus. If your loved one is over the age of 60, the risk of death from this disease rises. The risk rises the older your loved one is. The highest fatality rates for the novel Coronavirus are among people 80 or older, with pre-existing medical conditions. It is important that you and your loved one become aware of social distancing practices to protect your loved one’s health.
Social Distancing
Reducing the amount of contact your loved one has with others during this time is important. The only people that they should see during this time are primary caretakers, home health aides, and their doctors. Reduce the need for them to go to the store or travel out of the house. If they need to see a doctor, for any reason, you or their health aide should transport them via car. They should avoid public transportation as much as possible.
Children and teens, such as grandchildren, may be carrying the disease while showing no symptoms. Keep your children away from your loved one during this time, for their safety. Follow WHO and CDC advice on ways to reduce risk of infection for you and your loved ones; such as hand washing and social distancing. See our article on long distance caregiving for tips on how your loved one can stay social with the family, without risking their health.
Hygiene Practices During the Coronavirus Outbreak
As it becomes harder for an elderly individual to care for themselves, their hygiene tends to wane. It is important to ensure that your loved one is keeping up with their hygiene. You should assist your loved one as needed. Proper hand washing, trimmed nails, disinfecting surfaces, and more can be very important in keeping them healthy.
Stocking Supplies
Make sure that your loved one has enough food, toiletries, and other important items stocked up. Odds are, they will need these items more than you. Your loved one is most likely more at risk of having a severe response to COVID-19. If they need more food, toilet paper, or other items during this time, they should not be the one to go out for it. You or your loved one’s aide should do the shopping for them.
Health Complications and the Coronavirus
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues complicate the body’s ability to deal with this novel disease. Those with diabetes seem to be the most at risk of facing serious complications and symptoms of the virus. According to the American Diabetes Association, this risk is only prevalent in those with poor management of their diabetes, but precautions should still be taken. Diabetics that are managing their blood sugar well have about the same level of risk as the general public. Asthmatics and those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also at risk, due to the virus’ ability to affect the respiratory system. Talk to your loved one’s physician for more information on caring for your loved one based on their health condition.
Compromised Immune Systems
Those suffering from compromised immune systems, such as from chemotherapy treatments for cancer, HIV, or lupus; can also be more at risk for this disease. If your loved one has a compromised immune system, then additional precautions may be needed. Talk to your loved one’s physician for more information on caring for your loved one based on their immunodeficiency.
Our Home Health Aides
Your loved one’s certified home health aide is trained in taking preventative measures, including social distancing for the safety of your loved one. Our professional team is working to ensure that everyone under our care is well taken care of during this global health crisis. We are closely monitoring information as it comes out from vital medical sources; and making sure that our home health aides are working in accordance with these safety regulations.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.
SafeHarbor is working 24 hours to continue providing safe and quality home care services during COVID-19. Let us know if we can help you during these difficult times. Information regarding the novel coronavirus is changing daily. For more up-to-date information, check the CDC and WHO websites.
