There is little doubt that the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, is affecting almost every aspect of our lives – from telecommuting to early restaurant closing hours to extended quarantines.
The primary focus is to strictly observe public health measures and social distancing to slow down the spread of this disease. No one knows for sure how long these safety measures will have to remain in place. However, it presents a perfect time to protect and improve your health and the health of your loved ones.
Research shows that seniors and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 symptoms. If you are caring for a patient or a loved one during this stressful time, minimizing the risk of infection is a top priority.
The team at Kerr Medical presents these helpful tips to help your senior (and you) stay healthy and protected:
1. Keep yourself well
Before taking care of your senior patient or parent, the first and the most important consideration is to take all the safety precautions that you can to avoid becoming a source of infection yourself.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, using the bathroom, preparing food, or touching surfaces in public places.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Practice proper respiratory etiquette. If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your face with the bend of an elbow or with disposable tissues.
- Unless completely necessary, avoid going out to public places, even if social distancing is in place. COVID-19 is a highly contagious and transmissible virus through the air as people cough or through direct contact with an infected person. While several retail outlets provide exclusive shopping hours for seniors and persons with disabilities, or delivery services, their operation hours and product availability are often limited. Kerr Medical offers secure and convenient delivery services for patients and caregivers who need daily items such as pads, undergarments, or bed liners.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and handled items in your homes, such as walkers, canes, handrails, and any other mobility and medical equipment that your seniors use. It is also a good idea to regularly clean any telephones that have been used in the home.
2. Take extra time for personal hygiene with your seniors
You can help your seniors to reduce the risk of being infected with COVID-19 by decreasing contact and shaking hands, especially if they don’t have the opportunity to wash their hands often. Make sure that your seniors wash their hands very well and use sanitizers. While soap and water are effective cleansing agents, both have harsh effects on the senior’s skin over time. Kerr Medical’s tranquility cleansing wipes are alcohol-free and infused with aloe. It is a gentler and less harsh alternative to conventional soaps. These wipes are also disposable and are available in regular and travel-sized packs to make sure your senior’s hands and face stay clean in any environment.
3. Look for ways to stay active
Homebound seniors or seniors under strict facility care risk isolation from daily interactions. With many states imposing restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis, connecting with others has become increasingly difficult. Keep elders involved by giving them projects that they can work on, such as listening to music that they are familiar with, or going through or organizing old photos or memorabilia. Such activities can inspire them to talk about their stories and share happy memories. If your senior suffers dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, Kerr Medical offers sensory stimulation products that can help lessen the anxiety if routines get disrupted.
4. Plan healthy meals regularly
As restaurants close temporarily to decrease the risk of the spread of COVID-19, expect to stay home longer and prepare meals right from your kitchen more often. Check out our recent post for tips regarding healthy meal planning, which includes smart and creative meals using leftovers, and getting (and keeping) your seniors eating and preparing food.
5. When the weather is fine, spend time outdoors – Sunshine and fresh air can refresh and boost the health and spirits of your senior parents or patients. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and is the best source of Vitamin D, too, which can improve physical and mental health. If your senior parent or patient need mobility aids such as a cane or a wheelchair to move about and enjoy the outdoors, talk with the experts at Kerr Medical to help you find the right product.
Kerr Medical is here for you during the COVID-19 crisis
Kerr Medical’s mission is always to help our customers – the senior patients and their caregivers – maintain a healthy quality of life.
Contact Kerr Medical if you have questions or concerns that you have regarding caring for your senior loved ones during this stressful, uncertain time. The team at Kerr Medical will do their best to find solutions and resources to support you and your loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
