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Caring for Seniors During Current COVID19 Crisis

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Continyou Care

With the senior population being one of the most vulnerable to COVID19 and during this time of uncertainty, we all need to come together to take care of the seniors in our community.

If you have seniors in your life, follow the advice below to best care for them:

Think of your neighbours

If you’re planning on making a trip to the grocery store, ask your neighbours if there is anything they need. Help them prepare and lessen their chances of being exposed to the virus by grabbing the essentials for them.

Here’s an example of somebody in the community doing this in a big way – https://feeditforward.ca/volunteer/.

Drop care packages off at the door

The incubation period for the Coronavirus is two weeks. Don’t risk exposure to those most susceptible to it. Build and drop care packages off at the front door or with reception (call or email to notify instead of a quick visit).

List of Necessities Supplies:

Hand sanitizer
Disposable face masks
Disposable gloves
Tissues
Hand soap
Dish soap
Laundry soap
Bleach
Thermometer
Paper towels
Canned goods
Toilet paper

Limit Contact (But Stay in Touch!)

If you were planning a visit, think again and be a little more strategic to avoid any contact with your loved ones. Mail letters, email, text, facetime – do what you can to keep your distance but stay in contact.

Monitor Symptoms

Educate the elders in your life and make sure they are aware of the symptoms of the virus. We know it can be lonely but it’s best they kept isolated to avoid the risk.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Read more about the symptoms here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Keep Environments Clean

Prepare yourself with gloves, masks and disposable paper towels and disinfectants. Make sure all surfaces that are touched often are cleaned properly. Immediately wash hands and all clothes with hot water and soap afterwards.

Senior homes using our Digital Signage solution are broadcasting notices to all residents on proper hand washing methods and best practices to stay healthy.

Isolation

If possible, remind the elders in your life that staying in isolation is the safest method to avoid this horrible virus. \

If you need to care for someone who may be exposed to it, here is some great advice from the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/how-to-care-for-person-with-covid-19-at-home-advice-for-caregivers.html