During a pandemic, how do you keep the most vulnerable people safe? For families with members who are susceptible, this year has been especially stressful. It is worrisome to imagine the consequences if they were to contract COVID-19. Those with pre-existing health conditions like lung disease, asthma, and diabetes are at risk of complications if they get the disease. Many families are searching for ways to keep their most susceptible members safe from the virus. To protect your loved ones, follow these tips to help keep them healthy:
Maintain physical distance. When you share your household, it can be challenging to stay 6 feet apart from family members. You can designate different rooms for various people to ensure that distance is maintained. For example, don’t use the same bathroom as your susceptible family member.
Educate them about the dangers of COVID-19. Sometimes, our loved ones are not cautious because they don’t understand the risks that this virus poses. You can explain why it’s imperative to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting this disease.
Hire the services of a quality caregiver. To help manage the burden of looking after a vulnerable family member, you can hire a trusted caregiver. They can help with everyday errands, like preparing meals and personal hygiene. This also provides a social outlet for your loved one. The top qualities of a good caregiver include empathy, patience, passion, emotional stability, and reliability. Entrust your loved one in the services of a reputable caregiver.
Keep your home well-ventilated. Promoting good airflow can help prevent the virus from staying in the air at home. This involves having a quality HVAC system installed, using clean air conditioner filters, and leaving windows open to allow for a cross-breeze.
Wear a mask. COVID-19 is spread via respiratory droplets, like the ones we emit when we cough or sneeze. When you spend time with family members who are vulnerable, wear a mask – even if you’re not showing symptoms. Remember to cough and sneeze into your elbow. This precaution can make the difference between someone catching the disease, or avoiding it.
Run errands for them, so they don’t have to leave home. Whenever your loved one spends time in a public place, they risk exposure to the virus. This can happen anywhere, from riding the bus to shopping at the grocery store. If you don’t live in the same household as your vulnerable family member, you can arrange to drop off food or other essentials. Decrease risk by using delivery services whenever possible. If public transit is essential, try a ridesharing app instead.
Make sure to attend to your own needs, too. Parents, guardians, and other caregivers commonly experience fatigue as a result of their duties. Caregivers; mental health matters. These additional guidelines can place a strenuous burden on those who care for vulnerable people. You won’t be able to properly care for your family if you neglect to care for yourself. Take time out of each day to do something you love, even if that’s only for 15-30 minutes: you can do yoga, drink a cup of tea, or read a book. Some enjoy relaxing in a hot bathtub. Whatever self-care you prefer, make sure to set aside time for it.
Clean frequently with approved disinfectants. High-contact surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria. It’s important to disinfect them often to ensure that viruses are eliminated. You can do so using a green cleaning product labeled as a disinfectant; follow the product instructions to ensure that the bacteria are entirely removed. In spaces like the kitchen or bathroom, which are used daily by all household members, pay extra attention to disinfecting surfaces.
Don’t share personal items. Sharing everyday items is an efficient use of resources – but it also allows germs to spread. From kitchen condiments to toiletries, consider separating your items from those of your loved ones. You may need to purchase doubles of products you already own, such as shampoo or soap, but it’s well worth it to protect their health.
Provide hand sanitizer. By making an alcohol-based disinfectant readily accessible, family members will be encouraged to use it frequently. Leave a bottle by the front door so that people remember to use it upon entering and leaving your home. You can also promote other hygienic practices in your home, like hand-washing often, and disposing of used tissues promptly.
Stay home whenever possible. Even if your family member is on lockdown, other household members still put them at risk when they attend work or school. You could fall ill due to exposure at a public place and bring it home with you.
During the pandemic, many families have felt uncertain and worried about their futures. These fears are intensified when a loved one is vulnerable to complications if they contract COVID-19. Taking the above measures can help to alleviate these concerns and keep your family safer.