Caring for an aging or elderly family member during the COVID-19 pandemic can be an incredibly stressful, all-consuming job. We are constantly worrying about whether or not we’ve brought a trace of the disease into our homes or theirs, and fretting over the possibility of them becoming incredibly ill.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, it’s been made clear by the media that aging people are at a very high risk of contracting and potentially passing away from this disease. So, what can we do to properly care for aging parents during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Regularly Clean Medical Equipment
If your parent uses any in-home medical equipment, from blood pressure cuffs and heart monitors to canes and wheelchairs, ensure that you are regularly cleaning and disinfecting each piece. This is incredibly important in assisted living, whether they live with you or not, because germs and bacteria can spread easily through high-touch surfaces.
A quick wipe-down will not be sufficient here. You’ll want to ensure that you’re using a disinfectant that has been approved to kill the Coronavirus, such as Clorox or Lysol.
Minimize Household Exposure
If you’ve brought your aging parent home to keep them safe amid the pandemic, make sure that you assign one member of your household to take care of most of the errands that need completion. When providing senior home care, Grocery shopping, running to the bank, and picking up take-out should be the responsibility of one person, thereby limiting the chances of exposure greatly. If there are teenagers or young adults living in the same space, ensure that they know the rules and what is at risk.
Make a Plan
In the event of a COVID exposure, make sure your family has a plan to keep the older members safe within the same space. Establish a place of quarantine, and wear as much PPE as possible when working with them. Hospitals are running at capacity, so map out a suitable plan of action to assess if your aging parent does test positive. Plans are helpful when panic is involved.
The Elderly and COVID-19
It’s no secret that the pandemic has taken a major toll on our older populations. With careful planning and executed care, we can be incredibly efficient in caring for our aging parents while the pandemic rages in the background. Remember, schedule them for a vaccine as soon as possible, and limit exposure exponentially.