When you think of world events changed the world, a few things come to mind. What the automobile did to the transportation world. The unveiling of Mona Lisa and how it changed the art world forever. And now, COVID-19 is changing the healthcare industry like nothing we’ve ever seen.
Due to the pandemic in the Sioux City area and around the country, we’re spending more time at home. And, the best recommendation for anyone showing symptoms is to quarantine at home. So, it seems to make more sense at this point in our lives to consider more home-base health options.
Family First Homecare of Sioux City and the Siouxland area can help you adopt these new health practices. We are all responsible for becoming the best Senior Care Specialist we can be. Test your coronavirus smarts by taking this quiz!
Who is the New Senior Care Specialist?
If you want to hire a senior care worker, he/she will provide you with these support services at home. They are services that decrease the spread and contamination of the COVID-19 virus.
- Properly washing your hands, bathing support, cleaning of your household objects. Thus, personal care plus the regular use of sanitizers, masks and gloves.
- Basic household chores like cleaning, dusting, and looking after the yard, room, and bathrooms. We recommend the use of bleaches and color-safe bleaches for all laundry. All while increasing airflow and wearing protective gear.
- The cooking and storing of foods should be done with masks on or cloth face covering. Safe delivery of meals is a very common these days, but try to limit interaction. All food preparation requires hand washing before and after, as well as food washing. Moreover, these requirements should also be practices by the client.
- Home care also includes money management, payment of rent or bills, etc. Due to COVID-19, many people are finding new obstacles in managing their expenses. Online banking and paying of bills or expenses should be encouraged.
- Lastly, new home care approach allows you to get more variety of help from the caregiver. Many senior care workers are experts in different fields. Look to continue your education with certifications in viruses and pathogens.
How Do We Approach a Client with Symptoms?
Home senior caretakers are already working in challenging circumstances. Now, add on the increase in awareness of dangers and proactive preventatives, and were at a whole new level.
We can see that these added responsibilities are getting more and more second-nature. But, treating and looking after our clients with symptoms can change our approach drastically. These steps can help keep both the caregiver and the client safe:
- Stay calm.
- Practice all of the above preventative requirements.
- Call their doctor and explain the symptoms. Write down and follow any instruction that might come from that call. Set up the soonest, and easiest, appointment to get your client tested.
- Keep the client comfortable while having a positive attitude. Take extra precautions to instill a sense of care. This approach should be consistent after the testing and after the results.
And Finally
We should acknowledge the staggering statistic that 80% of COVID-19 deaths are over the age of 65. That in itself should be enough to strengthen your motivation to be safe. As caretakers we are not just considered responsible for others’ lives, but we specialize in doing so.
The health care of our caretakers is also an emerging issue. In a nutshell, we can say that taking pride in what we do isn’t enough. We have to be full-time home care aware. Family First Homecare of Siouxland is here to help in these tough times. You can get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our policies.