What can you do when you or your loved one are stuck at home during an outbreak?
How will you manage personal care or picking up groceries? How will you manage the feelings of isolation and anxiety? Looking for a solution to keep seniors safe at home?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicated care from Home Care Assistance is your best choice. The CDC currently recommends older adults remain in their homes. In-home caregivers can serve as a vital support system to keep seniors cared for and safe.
Many of us feel anxious and fearful about COVID-19. If you have an elderly or at-risk loved one, we can help inform you about how professional caregivers support elders, and what you can do to slow the spread of infection.
Three Ways Caregivers Keep Elders Safe and Comforted at Home
One of the recommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19 is physical distancing. Practice physical distancing by avoiding public places and traveling. Stay at home except when absolutely necessary to access essential goods and services, such as food, gas, and medications.
We know for a fact that staying at home reduces your chance of catching or spreading coronavirus. Your loved ones may find physical distancing especially difficult and isolating. That’s why having a professional caregiver helps achieve these three vital goals:
- Make it Easier to Stay at Home
The safest place for even relatively healthy elders is often in their own homes. In-home caregivers help to make sure their clients’ needs are met.
For example, a home caregiver will help clients stock up on supplies. A home caregiver can assist with a shopping trip. Caregivers can make sure the house is stocked with necessary over-the-counter medicines and supplies to treat fever and other virus or cold symptoms. Home caregivers also can prepare healthy meals.
- Provide Company
Elders who live alone already are at risk for isolation and loneliness. Your loved one may feel anxious and disconnected from others during this uncertain time. If you can’t visit, a home caregiver can help your loved one get in touch — and stay in touch — with family and friends.
A caregiver can assist with a hobby, help with at-home exercises, or set up ways to communicate with loved ones, such as writing letters, phoning, or using video calls.
- Protect and Reassure Your Loved One
Home Care Assistance caregivers are trained in recognizing the warning signs of illness. They are also taught how to prevent the spread of illness.
A caregiver can assist your loved one with:
- Identifying and reporting symptoms
- Remembering to regularly wash hands
- Reminding clients to cover a cough or sneeze
- Effectively cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
- Monitoring medications
Being alone during a time of uncertainty can lead to fear and anxiety. Your loved one needs to know that support is available. As a family caregiver, you are doing your best to meet the needs of those who depend on you while following safety recommendations.
Consider home care as a good fit for keeping your elderly loved one safe while they stay at home.
Amanda Butas is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and your Mesa client care manager. You can call her at (480) 699-4899. You also can visit Home Care Assistance at our new office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.