What To Do If You Take Care of Seniors and Have a Cold

Caring for an elderly adult while also dealing with a cold can be difficult. Seniors are more susceptible to common colds, and it is important for adult children and family members to take steps to prevent the spread of their cold to their loved ones, as colds are highly contagious. This post discusses what to do to get over a cold as soon as possible and considers the option of  hiring a caretaker who can help if the adult children are too sick to be near their elderly relatives.

Steps To Minimize The Risk of Spreading a Cold

Here's what adult children and family members can do to minimize the risk of spreading the cold to their loved ones

• Stay away if possible. Adult children or family members taking care of the senior adult should avoid being around or caring for the senior if they have a cold. This prevents them from spreading the cold to seniors. 
• Wash hands regularly, especially after sneezing or coughing. Use soap and water, and scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. If water and soap are unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Wear a mask. It is important for adult children taking care of seniors to wear a mask if they have a cold. Ensure that it covers the nose and the mouth; this prevents droplets from spreading.
• Use separate utensils. The primary caregiver with a cold (adult children or family members) should use separate utensils and dishes from seniors to avoid cross-contamination.

How Caregivers Can Get Over The Cold As Soon As Possible 

Caring for seniors can be a demanding task, and finding time to rest and recover when a caregiver becomes ill can be challenging. It is important for caregivers to take steps to get over a cold as quickly as possible to ensure their own health and the health of the senior they are caring for. 

Here are some practical ways to do so:

• A hot bath or shower can help decongest and loosen mucus, and inhaling the steam can also ease a sore throat. Additionally, using humidifiers can be helpful in keeping the air moist and clearing congestion.
• Eat a balanced diet and take supplements if necessary. A balanced diet helps boost the immune system, which fights off the infection and speeds up the recovery time.
• Take medication. There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that can reduce the symptoms of a cold. For example, antihistamines reduce a runny nose, while decongestants relieve blocked sinuses. Users should read the instructions and take the recommended dose.
• Take chicken soup. It eases inflammation, improves rehydration, and slows the cold infection.

Hire a Caretaker

If the primary caregiver, adult children, or family members are too sick to be near a senior, hiring a caretaker to help would be a great option. Caretakers provide invaluable service in helping seniors stay safe and healthy when their primary caregivers are unavailable.

Caregivers from Senior Helpers come highly recommended. They are trained to provide a wide range of services such as cleaning and cooking, running errands, providing help with bathing and dressing, providing companionship, and providing transportation to and from doctor's appointments. 

An In-Home Senior Care Service Provider That Has The Interest of Elderly Loved Ones at Heart

Senior Helpers Rhode Island is dedicated to providing seniors in Warwick, Providence, Woonsocket, Cumberland, Pawtucket, Coventry, and the neighboring towns with professional in-home care services. Our caregivers can step in to help if a person taking care of a senior has a cold and cannot continue doing so. We also offer Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia care and many more. Contact Us today to learn more about our care plans and how they best suit your elderly loved one.