7 Important Caregiver Tips During COVID-19

In the past year, many people have resumed their social lives, started traveling again, and hosted large celebratory gatherings, but for those in frequent contact with seniors, it remains crucial to take precautions in order to help keep their loved ones safe and healthy. Omicron and all the other coronavirus variants that cause COVID-19 are particularly dangerous to older people. If you’re caring for a senior, take a look below at these 7 important caregiver tips during COVID-19.  

1. Prioritize your health 

It’s important to practice healthy habits to prevent picking up the virus and passing it on to your loved one. These habits include washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, wearing your mask in public places, and keeping the surfaces of your home and car disinfected. 

2. Practice social distancing 

Even when taking all of the above precautions to keep yourself healthy, it’s still best to maintain a healthy social distance when in the company of your loved one. Whether you’re in their home to help clean or just stopping by to drop off groceries, try to stay 6 feet away. 

3. Wear your mask 

We all miss seeing the faces of our friends and family members, but our masks are helping to keep us safe. When visiting your loved one, or driving them to doctor’s appointments, your mask adds another layer of precaution that helps to ensure their health and safety. If your senior has a large enough yard where you can maintain a 6-foot distance from one another, you can use your own discretion about wearing a mask in those circumstances.

4. Supply everything needed to prepare nutritious meals

It’s important to ensure that your loved one has everything they need to prepare healthy meals. Although some stores do offer special hours for health compromised individuals, they’re not always convenient. Get fresh groceries and drop them off regularly or do the cooking yourself. Maybe rotate with other family members. If your loved one likes to cook, you can order a meal kit delivery box, which comes with all the ingredients needed for delicious meals. Prepared meal delivery service is another option. 

5. Keep the toiletries stocked

Ask your loved one what toiletries they use on a daily basis. Then make a list, and go shopping. Toilet paper, soap, lotion, q-tips, toothpaste, paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Purchase enough that they can replenish from their own supply at least once if they run out. Keep the list and restock regularly.

6. Check in often

Social isolation during the pandemic has led to emotional and mental issues all over the world. Even if your loved one is active and independent, the stresses of a global pandemic with no end in sight can sneak up on them and result in depression or other mental health problems. Checking in often can help you notice subtle changes before they become bigger issues. Ask neighbors and other family members to check in as well. 

7. Provide technology support

During stay-at-home orders, technology has helped us carry on with our work, our friendships, and our fitness routines.  But for a lot of elderly people, computers are a new language, and email is about as far as they’ve gotten in learning that language. If you can take the time to help your senior with FaceTime or Zoom or any other platform that allows them face-to-face contact with their friends and family, it can help them to see more smiles and feel more connected. 

5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

If your favorite senior is in need of rehabilitation following a joint-replacement surgery, stroke, injury or illness, Bella Vista is here to help. Our team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff is committed to the overall health and wellbeing of every resident. We are a COVID-free facility, and we offer physical, speech, occupational, and respiratory therapy up to 7 days a week. We have a registered dietitian on staff 7 days a week who prepares nutritious meals to accommodate allergies, medical conditions, dietary preferences, and religious needs. We also offer a variety of social and creative activities to help keep your loved one connected, healthy, and happy. For more information on our services or COVID protocols, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

25 Home Safety Tips for Seniors

While retirement communities and assisted living facilities are more well appointed than ever, many seniors still choose live independently in their own homes. But advanced age means increased safety risks, so it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and take the necessary precautions. If you plan to remain at home during your advanced years, here’s what you need to know to stay safe:

“Fall-proof” the home

Even if you have little to no difficulty with walking or balance, it’s necessary to remove fall hazards around the house:
1. Remove clutter, such as shoes and stray electrical cords, from hallways, stairs ,and paths.
2. Make sure all walkways are well lit.
3. Tape area rugs to the floor so they don’t shift.
4. Install non-slip floor mats and safety bars in the shower.
5. Install tub chairs and raised toilet seats if balance and mobility are an issue.

Prevent against fire and burns

Smoke alarms are just the beginning of home fire protection. In addition to testing alarms regularly and replacing the batteries twice a year, also be sure to:
6. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, or anything flammable.
7. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.
8. Replace appliances with frayed or damaged cords.
9. Know at least two ways to escape your home in the event of a fire.
10. Refrain from smoking in bed or leaving candles burning.
11. Avoid wearing loose clothes or long sleeves when cooking.
12. Set the water heater thermostat to a maximum of 120° F to prevent scalding.

Prevent against poisoning

Accidental poisoning is one of the most common causes of death and injury among seniors, so take these precautions to stay safe:

13. Install carbon monoxide detectors near all bedrooms, and as with smoke detectors, test and replace batteries every six months.
14. Never try to heat the house with the stove, oven, or grill, all of which emanate deadly carbon monoxide that cannot be seen or smelled.
15. Keep medications in their original containers and ask for large-print labels if needed.
16. Properly dispose of all old or unused medication.
17. Store cleaning products far away from food and make sure they’re labeled clearly.
18. Never mix bleach and ammonia together, or any other cleaning liquids—the combination can create deadly gases.

Protect against crime and abuse

In the Information Age, seniors are more vulnerable than ever to financial abuse, whether online, over the phone, or when answering the front door. Here’s how you can lower the risk of financial crime:

19. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or Internet unless you are the one initiating contact, and only with reputable companies such as the bank or pharmacy.

20. Always ask for written information about offers, prizes, or charities, and consult family or friends before accepting any offers or signing contracts. If you feel pressured, that’s a good indication that the offer in question is a scam.

21. Never let a salesperson or other stranger into your home. 

Keep emergency numbers handy

22. A list of emergency numbers should be handy near each phone in the house, preferably in large, easy-to-read print. Aside from 911, include numbers for poison control (1-800-222-1222) and your primary doctor’s office.
23. Other numbers to have handy: a family member or friend designated as an emergency contact, and a trusted neighbor in case family or friends can’t be reached.
24. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular check-ins with your friend, family member, or neighbor. 
25. You can also install a lock box on the front door that will allow trusted visitors and emergency personnel to access your home if needed.

Do you or does a loved one need additional care? We can help.

Seniors choose to live independently might need more help than they are willing to admit, and family members are often unable to provide adequate care. At Bella Vista Health Center, compassionate caregiving is our top priority, and we offer both top-notch medical care and stimulating socialization to meet the needs of all our patients and residents. So if you or a loved one is ready to transition to assisted living, give us a call at (619) 399-7920 to schedule a tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility.