Older adults with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms.
This has been a hard time for seniors and their family members. COVID has left many seniors isolated in their homes, unable to see family and friends.
Home care providers offer essential services during the pandemic. Traditionally, caregivers assist with vital tasks such as dressing, bathing, medication reminders, grocery shopping, and preparing meals. Now, caregivers have another important job — protecting seniors from COVID-19.
Here’s more information about how caregivers can help during the pandemic.
How Your Caregiver Can Help
As the nation’s most vulnerable group, caregivers can offer senior health guidance as well as emotional support during this scary time. Here are the services you can expect when hiring in-home caregivers during COVID-19.
Communicate With Loved Ones
There are some seniors who haven’t seen their family and friends in a year due to the pandemic. If seniors don’t have a full grasp of technology, they may not be able to effectively communicate with their loved ones.
Caregivers can find creative ways for seniors to communicate with family and friends. From video chats sharing pictures, caregivers can help a senior set up their mobile device for multiple communication tactics.
Some seniors prefer the old-school way of communicating, such as sending letters and cards. If a senior is unable to write, their caregiver can write their message and send the letters and cards.
Proper Hygiene and Cleaning
Keeping seniors safe is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first place to start is by cleaning and sanitizing the home regularly. But not all seniors can commit to a regular cleaning schedule. Fortunately, caregivers can properly clean a senior’s home and disinfectant any high-touch surfaces.
Some high-touch surfaces they will clean include:
Light switches
Doorknobs
Cabinets
Counters
Remote controls
Phones
Handles
Faucet
Toilet
In addition, a caregiver can make sure seniors are properly bathed, can do their laundry, and make sure they wash their hands regularly.
Maintain a Routine
While in isolation, following a routine can be difficult. This is especially true for seniors, specifically those with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers know the importance of following a routine, so they will help seniors with their daily tasks.
Seniors also appreciate a caregiver’s routine visit. They feel safe with their caregiver and knowing their caregiver will visit at specific times will provide comfort.
Provides Comfort to Families
Keeping seniors safe during COVID-19 is a priority for loved ones. Unfortunately, this means families can’t or shouldn’t visit their senior loved ones, which causes a lot of worrying. This is especially true in regard to medical emergencies, when their loved ones may not be there to help.
Knowing a caregiver is there daily can help loved ones feel at peace. In case there is a medical emergency, their loved ones have someone there to respond to the situation.
The caregiver will also be a family’s point of contact to ensure everything is going smoothly with their family member. Caregivers can check for signs of COVID-19 and other medical conditions. In addition, caregivers will make sure seniors are mentally healthy, not showing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Running Errands
Caregivers can also do a lot for seniors even if they’re not at their house. While there are many grocery delivery services, seniors can save money by having their caregivers deliver their groceries. They can also keep them stocked up on their medications, disinfectants, cleaning supplies, and more.
What to Ask a Caregiver Before Hiring Them
A caregiver can provide many benefits to seniors during the time of COVID-19. But you’ll need to choose the best caregiver. Here are some essential questions to ask to know you’re choosing the right caregiver.
What Care Do You Think Is Necessary?
While caregiving is usually necessary, some caregiving in-person visits are discouraged unless the senior needs these services in their day-to-day lives. Caregivers still need to limit their time in person and only provide necessary services.
Because of this, it’s essential you ask what services a caregiver will provide during this time. These usually include delivering medication, groceries, and assisting your loved one with tasks they can’t do on their own.
What Precautions Are You Taking?
While your caregiver prioritizes your and your loved one’s safety, they should also practice their own precautions.
Your caregiver should wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and undergo regular COVID screenings. The caregiver should always wear a mask, at the least, and many also wear a face shield for extra protection.
All caregivers go through different precautions. Be sure to discuss how they prepare to protect you and your loved one as well as themselves.
What’s My or My Loved One’s Care Plan?
All caregivers will create a care plan for you or your loved one, and it’s recommended you know what plan to expect. This usually includes days and times for grocery shopping, a regular cleaning routine, and when and how you’ll stay connected to loved ones.
Your caregiver should create this plan based on current CDC guidelines. They will also include emergency contacts in this plan.
When Is Telehealth a Better Option?
If you or your loved one are able to stay independent, telehealth caregiving may be a better option.
Some popular telehealth methods include video calls, phone calls, health apps, email, and more. Caregivers will check in regularly to make sure you or your loved one are handling your necessities, are taking any necessary medications, and aren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Home Assistance Protecting Seniors in Florida From COVID-19
Caregivers are necessary if you or your loved one aren’t or are only partially independent. They can monitor seniors’ health, help them perform vital daily tasks, and run errands for them.
But now, home assistance protecting seniors in Florida from COVID-19 is more vital than ever. That’s why it’s essential to hire the best caregivers.
Do you need help finding the perfect caregiver? We can connect you to a variety of caregivers. Whether you need home health aids or live in-person care, you can visit our services page to see how we can help you.