Caregiving During the Coronavirus Crisis
Caregiving During the Coronavirus Crisis
Caring for a family member who is elderly, recovering from surgery or living with dementia has become a lot more complicated during the pandemic. Fear, anxiety and feelings of helplessness over the coronavirus (COVID-19) may compound an already stressful situation, however there are actions you can take to help ensure the best outcome for your loved one, and for yourself.
Wash Your Hands.
Currently, it’s difficult to find disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, but frequent hand-washing for 20 seconds and soapy wipe-downs of surfaces will help keep the virus from moving into the home environment. Pay special attention to entry points like doorknobs, and wash hands immediately upon entering a dwelling.
Practice Strict Social Distancing.
Your loved one should stay at home and follow the social-distancing guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). People with compromised immune systems, and the elderly, are far more likely to have critical complications if infected with the coronavirus, and eliminating ALL non-essential visitors is simply a life-saving move.
Home Care employees are considered ‘essential services’ workers, and Marisa Home Care caregivers have been given CDC protocols for lessening the chance of transmission.
“We are so proud of what we are still able to provide for our clients, while offering the safest possible employment to our caregivers,” says Marisa Owner and Co-founder Christopher Corbett. “Our business is open, and we are working hard at meeting our clients’ needs and facilitating best practices for everyone involved.”
Ease the Loneliness.
Social distancing is terribly isolating for people who lack mobility or require help with daily activities. Visits or outings with friends and family members are sharply curtailed during the corona ‘quarantine’, so providing some alternative connections will help relieve loneliness over the next several months. A caregiver can help an elderly or incapacitated individual with daily video chats on a phone, laptop or computer screen. Online games like Words with Friends, neighborhood Facebook groups, and texts from relatives can provide entertainment and interaction. Music or books-on-tape can help pass long hours of solitude in a home that has become too quiet.
Plan Ahead.
Create a care plan for your family member in case you are sick and unable to provide your usual support. If you are using a home care service, discuss your needs with the administrator as soon as you realize you might need increased coverage. Keep two weeks of groceries stocked with your family member (consider doorstep grocery delivery through Kroger or Meijer), and discuss filling their prescriptions ahead of the normal re-fill date with their pharmacist. Some insurers are waiving their restrictions on early refills to keep people at home for longer periods of time.
Get Extra Help.
Conditions imposed by the pandemic have caused many people to lose their employment, making caregiving even more challenging. If you or your family member need extra help surviving this crisis, contact the organizations listed below:
- Michigan families can get food, cash, internet during the coronavirus crisis (Bridge)
- Where to Get Food help Now (NCOA)
We are battling the coronavirus as a community. By working together and following guidelines, we can greatly increase the odds of staying healthy and keeping our family members safe. If you need assistance with caring for a loved one, Marisa Home Care is available to help you – and we are ready whenever you need a hand.
Thank You to Our Guest Blog:
Marisa Team
Marisa Home Care
www.marisahomecare.com
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