Tips to Protect Baltimore Seniors from Coronavirus
If you are concerned about the spread of COVID-19, you are not alone. As case numbers spike in Baltimore and around the country, concern continues to grow about the lasting impact of the pandemic. In particular, you may be concerned if you care for an elderly relative, as older adults are more likely to be severely impacted by this disease.
Fortunately, there are proactive steps that you can take to protect seniors from COVID-19 in Baltimore. Here is a look at a few simple steps that you can take to help keep your loved one healthy during this difficult time.
1. Stay Home Whenever Possible
In order to protect your loved one from the coronavirus, it is critical that they stay at home whenever possible. Social distancing is still the best way to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. While short, socially distanced walks can be a good way to get exercise and fresh air, it is important that older adults stay indoors whenever possible.
If they need something from the store, reduce unnecessary contact by having it delivered or sending someone else to get it. You may want to convert any doctor's appointments to video or phone appointments so that they will not have to enter a high risk location like a doctor's office or medical center.
Of course, in order to reduce the risk that you will expose your loved one to coronavirus, you should also try to stay home as much as possible. Except when going out for essentials, such as groceries and prescriptions, staying in will help to protect you and your family from a potential COVID-19 exposure.
2. Keep Your Distance
To further reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to your elderly loved one, you should try to keep your distance when possible. While it is impossible to completely socially distance from an elderly relative that you are caring for, reducing contact can help reduce the risk of transmission. You should also try to limit the use of shared spaces as much as possible, such as by using separate bathrooms. When using shared spaces is unavoidable, like in the kitchen, make sure that you sanitize surfaces frequently to reduce the risk of transmission.
It is also imperative that you limit who you allow in your house. Bringing new people into your home can pose a risk to you and your loved ones. If you believe that you may be showing signs of COVID-19 infection, see if there is somewhere else that you can stay until you test negative, and see if a healthy family member can fill in to care for your loved one.
3. Help Your Loved One Stay Connected
Just as important as protecting seniors from COVID-19 infection is caring for your elderly loved one's emotional wellbeing during this difficult time. Many people may struggle with feelings of isolation and depression due to social distancing orders. This can be particularly difficult for seniors who have to completely self-isolate in order to protect themselves, even if it means not seeing friends, relatives, and grandchildren.
A great way to make this difficult time easier is to set up video calls and remote activities that can help them stay connected. Doing everything that you can to facilitate remote social interaction can reduce your loved one's feelings of isolation.
Caring for an elderly loved one can be overwhelming under normal circumstances, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made things even harder for caregivers. If you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out trying to care for your elderly loved one on your own, it may be time to consider enlisting the help of a senior companionship or home caregiving service.
A professional caregiver in Baltimore can help provide you with some much-needed relief, and they can also help protect seniors from COVID-19.