Coronavirus: What Family Caregivers Can Do

There are many unknowns associated with coronavirus that probably won’t be fully understood for a while. However, one thing that’s certain is how risky it can be for older adults because of age-related immune system vulnerabilities. On a positive note, there are some things you can do about coronavirus if you’re caring for a senior loved one.

Stay Updated on Local Guidelines

Each area has specific guidelines with regards to coronavirus. Make an effort to be aware of what precautions are suggested for the area where your loved one lives so he or she can take the right steps to stay safe.

Take Steps to Boost Your Loved One’s Immune System

As mentioned above, age-related changes affecting the immune system, such as the reduced functioning of T-cells, make COVID-19 dangerous for seniors. What you can do as a caregiver is urge your loved one to take steps to strengthen his or her immune system by:

• Adopting a diet that includes fruit, veggies, green tea, and other nutrient-rich foods and beverages
• Exercising regularly
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Washing hands and taking other steps to prevent infections

In-home caregivers can help seniors exercise safely and prepare nutritious meals. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Adjust Routines When Necessary

Some seniors become unsettled if their daily routines change, especially if they have cognitive issues. The good news is most daily household tasks should be able to stay the same. However, you’ll likely have to adjust routines involving contact with other people. For instance, regular visits to a local senior or community center may need to be replaced with home-based activities and exercises. Other modifications to routines might involve having meals delivered if eating out is a regular thing or exploring options with e-books if the local library is closed.

Set a Good Example

Another important step you can take as a caregiver is to set a good example for your loved one while coronavirus concerns are high, which means following CDC guidelines about handwashing and practicing social distancing when in public. Setting such an example also reduces the odds of having the “Why should I do anything different when you’re not?” argument you might have if your loved one is resistant to COVID-19 adjustments. A trained professional caregiver can be a fantastic source of support and information for you and your loved one. When considering elderly home care, Henderson, NV, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Encourage Remote Socialization

Facing coronavirus-related limitations doesn’t mean your loved one has to be shut off from the rest of the world. If your loved one isn’t familiar with remote technology, encourage him or her to find ways to explore options of this nature that could involve:

• Social media platforms
• Video chat tools
• Senior-specific online communities—AARP has one on their website
• Senior-friendly gadgets like GrandPad, which is a secure and easy-to-use touchscreen tablet specially designed for seniors

Consider In-Home Care

The changes many people have to make because of coronavirus mean kids are likely to be home, and your work may need to be done from home as well. If you’re concerned about fitting your caregiving responsibilities into an already mixed-up, hectic schedule, you might be wondering if you need to send your loved one to an assisted living facility. Though the staff at these facilities make every effort to keep seniors safe, your loved one would be around far more people there than he or she would be exposed to at home. Instead, consider in-home care to ease your burden. It’s a safe way to get professional assistance for your loved one in the comfort of his or her own home, which also allows for minimized outside contact. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Henderson, NV, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (702) 527-7723 today. With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Home Care Assistance, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their caregivers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Home Care Assistance helps protect clients, click here: https://www.hendersonhomecareassistance.com/covid-19-home-care/.