4 Best Practices for the Caregivers of Senior Parents Amid COVID-19

In a matter of weeks, coronavirus has swept through the U.S., changing our lives and the way we interact at work, at home, in school, and in all of our social relationships.

Seniors with underlying health conditions have been identified as the most vulnerable population, so it is important to know how to care for seniors without putting them at risk of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Safety Tips From Our Senior Living Community Team

1. Develop a Household Plan of Action

As the caregiver, creating a plan of action is a good way to begin prioritizing to-do items. Here’s where you can start:

  • Understand the risks. Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19 and what to watch for in older family members.
  • Talk to the experts. Speak to your family physician about the special needs of any senior family members you may be caring for, and make sure to have plenty of their important medications on hand.
  • Reach out. Don’t shoulder the crisis alone. Reach out to your network of friends, or other caregivers you know. Ask them what they’re doing to manage risks. This is a great way to share strategies and keep connected.
  • Stay informed. Regional public health agencies, and the CDC are all excellent resources to access important details on social distancing measures and other local COVID-19 updates.

Marquis is here to help by sharing resources and information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Follow Best Practices for Social Distancing

Many U.S. cities have enacted social distancing orders, requiring us to keep at least six feet apart and prevent large gatherings of people. While these measures can seem extreme, they are vital to preventing the spread of the virus.

  • Take advantage of delivery services. Many restaurants and grocers offer online ordering and delivery, so that your family can mitigate the need to enter public places.
  • Keep covered. If you do need to make an outing, it is important to cover your face. The CDC recommends using cloth face coverings in public. A scarf, bandana, or homemade cloth mask can greatly reduce the transmission of the virus by providing additional protection.
  • Stay active indoors or out. It is also important to ensure that your senior loved one walks within the house daily to prevent issues with circulation and mobility. Outdoor activity should be limited to a backyard or an outdoor space near the home that is not publicly accessible.

Join Marquis in helping our loved ones stay connected during social distancing with our positivity campaign.

3. Keep your Environment Clean

You can keep your loved ones safe indoors by following a few simple recommendations for disinfection, and cleanliness.

Daily cleaning of shared surfaces is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable family members. The virus can live on hard surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops and even hard back chairs. In addition to normal precautionary measures, like washing your hands multiple times a day, and sneezing, or coughing into a tissue, the CDC also recommends that hard surfaces be wiped off daily with a recommended disinfectant. Cloth masks and face coverings should be removed immediately after use, washed and dried using high heat.

4. Prepare for Possible Quarantine

If you, or someone in your household, starts to show signs of exposure, the CDC has a few recommendations on how to safely care for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

  • Set aside a safe space. A room with a closing door and an attached bathroom is ideal for protecting both the infected person and the other members of the family. If your home has multiple bathrooms that are not attached to other rooms, set one aside for those who are experiencing symptoms.
  • Wear a mask. Both caregivers and those infected should cover-up with cloth masks. Be sure to change them out regularly and launder with high heat.
  • Monitor the symptoms. Be observant of signs that may call for additional medical intervention like confusion or inability to arouse, difficulty breathing, fever, and cough.

If an elderly member of your family develops coronavirus, they may require additional expert care during their recovery. Take these steps when seeking help.

We’ll Get Through This Together.

At Marquis, family always comes first. While the threat we are facing with COVID-19 is unprecedented, Marquis is here to support you and the most important people in our life.

Are you a family member of a resident in a Marquis senior living community ? View answers to frequently asked questions or contact us today at 503-CONNECT.

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