COVID-19 is a virus that may cause serious respiratory illness. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions and those over 65 are more susceptible to potentially life-threatening effects. Conscientious elder care professionals are adapting their practices, so they can continue to provide much-needed support while decreasing the risk of infection. Find out how you can help keep your senior loved ones safe below.

Practice Health-Conscious Personal Hygiene

Staying healthy yourself is the first step in avoiding transmitting COVID-19 when providing elder care. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and especially after using the bathroom or being in public places.

Don't touch your face, as this can make it easier to transmit germs into your system through your mouth, nose, or eyes. Finally, avoid large crowds of people, which increase the odds of exposure.

Make Cleanliness at Home a Priority

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in the home daily to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in elder care facilities. This includes sink handles, light switches, toilet handles, and doorknobs. 

To mitigate the likelihood of the virus entering the home of your elder care charge, limit visitors. If close friends or family do stop by, make sure they disinfect their hands upon arrival. Visitors can also wear a cloth face covering, which helps prevent the spread of respiratory secretions—which may contain virus droplets—when talking, sneezing, or coughing.

Visiting Angels in Medina, OH, offers non-medical elderly in-home care for seniors, providing support for everything from home cleaning to running errands. Established in 2007, they are known for reliable and family-friendly senior care services. Their team members are selected for their compassion and genuine desire to help. All of their employees undergo background checks. Find out more about the types of elder care they provide on their website. To discuss how they can help your loved one, call (330) 723-0300.