How to Protect Seniors Against Covid-19 and Viruses

It’s the time of year when viruses go around, and seniors have a particularly high risk of catching respiratory viruses like the flu and Covid-19. Your senior parent should have their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, but even vaccinated, they can still get sick. Covid-19 is still dangerous, especially for seniors. Your mom or dad should do everything possible to minimize the risk of catching the virus. If your mom or dad has elder care, their care provider can help protect them.

One aspect of elder care is caregivers running errands and performing tasks for seniors. By having an elder care provider do their shopping and errands, your mom or dad can stay home and lower their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Some of the other things that your mom or dad should do to protect themselves as much as possible from illnesses like Covid-19 are:

 

1. Wash Their Hands

Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Encourage your senior parent to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public, using the bathroom, or before eating.

If soap and water are unavailable, they should use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

It’s also important to remind them to avoid touching their face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is how the virus can enter the body. Keeping hand sanitizer in easily accessible places around the home will encourage consistent use.

 

2. Wear a Mask in High-Risk Settings

Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces is still a good way to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. If your mom or dad chooses to go shopping, run errands, or attend a medical appointment, they should wear a mask.

Choose a mask with a snug fit, such as an N95 or KN95, which offers better protection against airborne particles. In case your mom or dad doesn’t have one, a doctor’s office should have masks for their patients.

 

3. Maintain Physical Distancing

Social distancing, or maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, is crucial in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Your parent should avoid getting close to others if they go out in public, like to a medical, dentist, or vision appointment.

 

4. Keep The House Clean

A clean home can reduce the likelihood of virus transmission, especially if your parent spends more time indoors. An elder care provider can do light housekeeping and wipe down surfaces like counters, door handles, sinks and faucets, and appliance handles with disinfecting wipes.

 

5. Stay Home

Reducing exposure to high-risk environments is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19. An elder care provider can run errands and do tasks for your mom or dad, and things like grocery shopping can be done online. An elder care provider can pick up groceries at the store through no-contact pickup to minimize the risk of returning the virus to your mom or dad.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Elder Care in Woodbridge, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484