You can’t turn on the news anymore without hearing updates about the coronavirus, or “COVID-19”, pandemic. Doctors have already discovered that those aged 65-and-above are at higher risk for catching COVID-19, which is certainly alarming for the millions of elderly persons living in the U.S. If you are currently caring for an aging in place elderly family member, taking safety precautions as their caregiver is now more important than ever before. Here are some tips for keeping both you and your loved one protected against the coronavirus.

Coronavirus Facts

Every day, healthcare professionals around the world are learning more about the epidemiology of COVID-19. And thanks to those efforts, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now list these coronavirus facts on their website:

  • Elderly individuals, notably those with underlying conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly via person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets that are then inhaled into the mouth and nose of another individual.
  • So far, the best way to protect oneself against coronavirus is by avoiding someone who has it.
  • There is currently no approved vaccine for COVID-19.

How Long Does COVID-19 Survive on Surfaces?

According to a recent article published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, COVID-19 can survive outside a host:

  • For up to 3 hours on air particles
  • For up to 24 hours on paper and cardboard
  • For up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel

What Should I Do as a Caregiver?

Elderly individuals are more likely to catch COVID-19 because they typically have a weakened immune system. The best way to protect your loved one is by keeping yourself coronavirus-free, and the CDC provides a lot of good information on how to do so. And, whenever you’re in a senior’s home, take these additional precautions:

Handwashing

Wash your hands on a regular basis for at least 20 seconds. When touching potentially contaminated surfaces, be sure to use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol immediately afterwards. Avoid preparing food, eating, or touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless you’ve washed your hands first. And, be sure to remind your loved one to do the same.

Clean & Disinfect

Clean and disinfect furniture, countertops, doorknobs and other exposed surfaces daily around the home with a good antimicrobial product to prevent the spread of viruses, including COVID-19.

Avoid Sick People

If someone you know is sick, avoid them until they’re fully recovered because there’s always the chance that it could be coronavirus.

Cook Food Thoroughly

When preparing meals, be sure to cook all foods thoroughly to kill harmful organisms. Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat or fish, and wipe down your cutting board and countertops with a disinfectant right after using them.

Use Tissues

When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and promptly throw it in the trash. Never place the used tissues inside your handbag or coat pocket.

Outside the Home

Most seniors stay active by frequenting places like churches, coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores, malls and senior centers. However, it’s best for the health of you and your senior to avoid those public areas, or, at the very least, practice social distancing until the coronavirus threat is over.

Stay Home when Sick

The most common coronavirus symptoms are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these, promptly contact your doctor and avoid contact with your senior. If you need someone reliable to fill in until you’ve recovered, hire a professional respite caregiver from a licensed home care agency.

Our Home Care Agency Takes COVID-19 Very Seriously

Until the coronavirus pandemic has been contained, it’s going to be a very stressful time for seniors and their caregivers. When you need a break, contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency, all our caregivers have undergone specialized training on the latest coronavirus prevention protocols. With an utmost focus on your family’s safety and security, we are strongly committed to caring for seniors so they can continue aging right where they want to be with dignity, independence and a high quality of life.

Our family trusted home care services include personal care, companionship, transportation, light housekeeping and 24-hour care. If you’d like to learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare and our COVID-19 protocols now, or wish to schedule a confidential initial screening for a senior in our service area today, please visit us at: seniorspreferhomecare.com.