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With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global outbreak, it’s important that you and your loved ones are taking proactive steps to prevent the virus from further spreading. At Nursing Plus of Broward, we’re staying up to date with the latest news and our number top priority is the health of our clients, staff, and community, and to help protect seniors from COVID-19.

Nurses, home health aides, and other health care providers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians, therapists and support staff are at a high risk of becoming exposed to and contracting this contagious virus. It is imperative that they protect themselves and stay safe in order to continue caring for those who depend on them.

To learn more about helpful prevention tips and resources, we encourage you to continue reading this blog.

Prevention Tips

It is important to learn how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Senior citizens and those with underlying health issues are at the highest risk. This includes those with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The majority of the reported cases appear to be in the mild to moderate range. Prevention is the best way to keep everyone safe.

1.   Social Distancing

Social distancing isn’t a new thing. It has been around for years in the battle to keep infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 from spreading and creating new cases. Along with keeping the impact on our medical facilities to a minimum, it can help keep the numbers of severely ill patients low. Social distancing is also referred to as self-quarantining. It is the act of putting a spatial barrier between yourself and others. It is a good practice especially since this virus is known to spread by person-to-person contact. Social distancing isn’t a full quarantine. It does, however, suggest limiting public contact and refraining from in-person socializing.

2.   Staying Home

Your home should be a safe space away from others and any contagions they may be carrying. There are still things you should do to cut the chances of the virus making its way into your home and taking up residence:

• Clean and disinfect any common spaces such as counters, sinks, doorknobs, cabinet handles, toilets and other areas that are touched frequently
• Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, nose or face with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your own elbow
• Throw used tissues into lined trashcans
• Don’t share linens, utensils or other items with anyone who is symptomatic
• Keep the numbers of guests or visitors to a minimum during this time
• Have a room designated as a “sick room” if anyone is showing symptoms
• Get in touch with your doctor immediately if symptoms appear

3.   Limiting Your Interactions

Social distancing doesn’t mean you are stuck at home and can never leave. It does mean that you should be limiting your interactions with other people for a suggested time. If you are sick though, you should stay home until your doctor okays it.

• Shop for just the necessities and have a list before you go
• Do your necessary shopping during off-peak hours when there are fewer people
• If you must interact with others, try to do it in less crowded, open areas
• Carry your own hand sanitizer for times when you can’t thoroughly wash your hands

4.   Staying Safe at Work

Health care professionals don’t get to stay home and self-quarantine. With no vaccine in sight, they must take great care of themselves so they can continue to go to work and care for those who are sick. Some ways to help make sure you and your patients stay well include:

• Wearing a mask, gloves, and gowns when dealing with infected or symptomatic patients
• Washing hands before and after each patient
• Being alert for any new symptoms or changes in patients
• Cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that come in contact with body fluids
• Keeping counters and rooms free of unnecessary clutter
• Educate your patient’s family and loved ones on good prevention habits
• If visitors are still being allowed, have them follow these guidelines as well

Resources

There is a growing amount of information being shared online and through various media outlets. It is important to know which sources are the most reliable in order to get the latest and best news regarding COVID-19. These are some of the top authorities on the subject:

• Administration for Community Living
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization

You may not be able to ensure that you are completely protected from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Doing everything you can to distance yourself and those in your care will help your community and assist in stopping the spread of this disease.

If you are considering getting Miramar home care in the nearby areas, the senior care experts at Nursing Plus of Broward are here to answer any questions or concerns you might have, so please don’t hesitate to contact us!