The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has been sending everyone into a panic, but that’s the last thing you should do! While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging everyone – especially seniors and those working in home care – to take serious extra precautions, you and your senior loved one can remain healthy by following their advice. Since seniors are more susceptible to the virus, you will want to make sure they take the measures listed below very seriously.
Don’t Panic
The number one thing that you shouldn’t be doing? Panicking. While it can be a challenge not to buy into media-induced fear, panic is actually counterproductive! Instead, you should be treating the Coronavirus just as you would a flu epidemic. Take all the necessary precautions but don’t lose your cool.
Containment
At the moment, it’s a good thing to have your senior practice keeping social distance. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities all over the US are cutting off visitations, and your senior living at home should be careful and follow suit for the time being. If your senior does venture out in public, have them keep a distance of at least 3 feet from anyone who may be coughing or sneezing.
Wash Your Hands and Don’t Touch Your Face
Keeping hands washed and clean is key! Rub the hands vigorously together and wash them thoroughly with an alcohol-based soap. This can help kill any viruses that may be on the hands. Also don’t touch your face. More specifically, don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Coronavirus is not airborne, but it can be caught by transferring the virus from the hands to any of these orifices.
Seek Healthcare Immediately If…
You begin coughing or sneezing, you’re having difficulty breathing, or you’re experiencing a fever. These are all symptoms of the Coronavirus. While they may be common symptoms for other illnesses, this is not a time to ignore seeking healthcare and brush it off. Having your senior seek healthcare as soon as possible will help them catch the virus early as well as prevent them from spreading the virus to anyone else.
For more information about the Coronavirus and prevention for your senior loved one, please contact Home Care Assistance to talk with our senior care experts.
