Protecting Elderly Loved Ones Against COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elderly adults are at the highest risk for contracting COVID-19, especially those over the age of 65 or those with compromised immune systems. At Nursing Plus of Broward, we are dedicated to staying up to date on the latest news to provide our staff, clients, and their families with all relevant information to protect their health and safety, including protecting elderly loved ones.
In an effort to help prevent the spread of the disease, it’s important that the elderly take extra precautions to protect their health and well-being during this uncertain time. Whether your senior family member lives at home on their own or with family, there are plenty of ways to help keep them safe while we go through this pandemic.
- Go for a Walk – Fresh air will do seniors some good, especially for those who live alone. They’ll be able to get out of the house for a few minutes and soak up some much-needed vitamin C. If venturing out for a walk isn’t an option, find them a nice place in the shade where they can sit outside the house. This will give them a sense of belonging and not to feel so isolated, as being inside all day can be challenging.
- Keep Children at a Distance – This can be difficult, especially for grandparents who adore spending time with their grandkids. However, kids can quickly spread germs, so it’s essential that they don’t have contact with seniors and those with underlying health conditions to help limit exposure to COVID-19. Suggest having them skype, Facetime, or call their grandkids to keep in touch and see their smiling faces every day.
- Have Groceries Delivered – Protect seniors from having to go out and get their own groceries. This is especially important if they live alone. Offer to go for them. If you’re not available or don’t live nearby, hire a delivery company to bring them by like Instacart, Walmart Grocery, and many more. Teach and help your senior family members properly disinfect all the groceries before putting them away for an added measure of safety.
- Encourage Distance – If your elderly parent or relative lives in the same household as you or other family members, provide them with space of their own where they can stay quarantined from everyone else in the house. Whenever possible, follow the CDC’s strict guidelines and stay six feet apart to help protect them from the spread of COVID-19. This is also important if you’re dropping something off to a senior. Be sure to keep your distance and help them feel safe and secure.
- Wear a Mask – Provide face masks to help with protecting elderly loved ones and anyone who comes into contact with them, especially when they do have to have someone come to their home to provide care, like an in-home skilled nurse. Wearing a mask will help provide them with extra safety and significantly decrease their chance of exposure.
In-Home Care for Seniors During COVID-19
For the elderly who are home or living with loved ones during the pandemic, they need to be extra cautious. Make sure that their care plan remains in place and that they have reliable registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), therapists, home health aides, or medical social workers to ensure they have everything they need.
The best thing you can do is give them distance while still spending time talking to them every day and providing them with plenty of entertainment so they won’t get lonely or depressed while staying at home during this time.
Contact the experienced team at Nursing Plus of Broward with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the safety of your elderly loved ones. Our services for Sunrise in home care in the surrounding areas can help!
