When the pandemic began back in 2020, many people hoped and believed that one day, COVID-19 would have run its course and would be just a memory. But COVID-19 has proven that it’s not going anywhere, and while many citizens have developed an immunity to it, it still poses a health risk, especially for the elderly.
If you are the caregiver of an elderly loved one, you don’t need to worry about still keeping them completely isolated or avoiding all social situations. But since they are older, they do remain more at risk for the health risks and serious complications that can come from being exposed to COVID-19 and being infected. Older individuals often have other health concerns that can make them more susceptible to the long-term and sometimes deadly repercussions of catching COVID-19.
But there are steps you and your loved one can take to reduce her COVID risk. They aren’t much different than before but bear repeating for your loved one to stay safe and healthy.
- Get vaccinated and stay up to date with boosters. A vaccine is the best way to either prevent COVID completely or at least reduce the symptoms if your loved one does have it. Check with her doctor to see if she’s received the bivalent booster. Many elderly individuals got the initial vaccine but never went back in for the booster. You should also consider having everyone who cares for your loved one – a family member and/or her senior home care team – be fully vaccinated as well to reduce the risk of bringing it into her home.
- Wear a high-quality mask. Cute masks made on your aunt’s sewing machine might help a little, but a high-quality N95 mask is what your loved one should wear when she interacts with someone who has COVID or has recently been exposed. If her senior home care provider has been exposed, she can still come to the home to assist your loved one but both should wear a mask to keep your loved one safe. She should also consider wearing one whenever she visits any place that is overly crowded and has poor ventilation.
- Wash her hands thoroughly. Washing hands is still one of the best ways to keep multiple viruses and bacteria from infecting your loved one. Anytime she’s been out of the home, it’s a good idea to have her wash her hands as soon as she’s back home.
- Just say no. It’s okay to say no to a social situation that your loved one may have been invited to. If her grandchild is having a large birthday party at the local pizza parlor, the risk may be too high for your loved one. She can look at other ways to celebrate with her grandchild.
- Ask the senior home care team for transportation help. If your loved one used to take public transportation places such as trains and buses, it might help to have her senior home care reduce her risk of COVID exposure by driving her to appointments and errands.
With planning and protection, your loved one can continue to stay safe and healthy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Catonsville, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care today. Call (443) 660-8757
A+ Personal Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Baltimore County, Pikesville, Baltimore City, Towson, Owings Mills, Catonsville, Reisterstown, Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville, Takoma Park, Potomac, Howard County, Columbia, Ellicott City, Prince George’s County, and Bowie, MD.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
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