After weeks of the media covering the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), you may feel tempted to begin to panic like many others. But panicking is the last thing you should do! Instead, you need to take the protocol issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) seriously. Seniors and home care workers need to be extra careful during this time by following the advice below to stay healthy and safe.
Don’t Panic
While everyone else appears to be panicking, we understand that keeping your composure may be challenging. However, panicking is actually counterproductive! If you want to have a great chance at staying healthy, we suggest treating the Coronavirus just like a regular flu epidemic. Make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions and keeping your cool.
Containment
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the nation are limiting visitations, and your senior in home needs to take extra precautions as well. Have them practice social distance. When out in public, they should stand clear (3 feet) of anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If they’re allowing visitors, each visitor must be feeling healthy and well.
Wash Your Hands and Don’t Touch Your Face
Wash, wash, wash! Using good alcohol-based soap and hand sanitizer can help to kill the virus. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and rub your hands together vigorously. Be careful not to touch your face often, and take extra measures to avoid the eyes, nose and mouth. The Coronavirus will enter through these orifices, so it is best to avoid them entirely.
Seek Healthcare Immediately If…
You’re experiencing a cough, sneezing, fever, runny nose, or difficulty breathing. These are all the symptoms of a Coronavirus, and they should be taken seriously if you have any one of them. If your senior is showing signs of the virus, they need to seek healthcare immediately. This can help them get healthy quicker and prevent them from spreading the virus.
For more information about the Coronavirus and prevention for your senior loved one, please contact Senior Care at Home to talk with our senior care experts.
