CORONAVIRUS ADVICE FOR CARERS, ELDERLY AND THEIR FAMILIES
Guidance on COVID-19
The sudden spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) which leads to contracting COVID-19 also known as coronavirus disease. The World Health Organization officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic.
Health experts agree that elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk. In order to prevent panic and misinformation, Veritas Care is providing you with reliable information and advice concerning the coronavirus.
Coronavirus – symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus are very similar to those we get when we have the flu or common cold. Keep in mind, that if someone has these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean they have coronavirus. COVID-19 can be diagnosed only by conducting the blood test with medical professionals help.
- Common coronavirus symptoms: fever, dry cough, fatigue;
- Rare coronavirus symptoms: nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, muscle and joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Felling unwell – what should I do?
If you, the carer or elderly loved have symptoms of coronavirus, follow the procedures put in place by NHS.
- Stay at home for at least 7 days.
- If the symptoms have not subsided use the 111 coronavirus service. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Coronavirus – how to protect yourself?
People over 60 are are more likely to become severely ill when contracting coronavirus. Therefore, it is extremely important that seniors and their carers follow the advice of health organizations.
Frequent hand washing
Experts agree that keeping up personal hygiene is a way to protect against coronavirus. Although pathogenic microbes need a living organism to reproduce, they can survive without a carrier for up to several hours.
You should remember to wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and hot water, especially when getting home, before and after eating a meal or when sneezing, coughing or using the toilet.
Seniors tend to be forgetful – carers will pay more attention to the hygiene of elderly during these difficult times. They will remind and encourage them to wash and disinfect their hands.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Remember to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, usual household products will be effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Pay special attention to desks, tables, door handles, light switches and electronic equipment – telephone and TV remote control. Personal waste (e.g. used tissues) should be discarded immediately.
If someone in the household has symptoms of coronavirus, NHS advises to put the personal waste into another bag, tie it securely and leave it for 72 hours. Only then you can put it in the usual household waste bin.
Don’t touch your face
COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is transmitted via respiratory droplets produced during coughing and sneezing. Thus, the easiest way to get infected with coronavirus is by touching your eyes, mouth, nose. When sneezing and coughing, cover your mouth not with your hand, but with your elbow or handkerchief, which has to be immediately discarded.
Social distancing
The most effective method of reducing the risk of infection for yourself and the people around is staying at home. Older people, who often suffer from long-term conditions should avoid crowded places.
Do not engage in physical contact with people – do not shake hands, do not kiss or hug. Keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
How to help your carer?
We need to remember to protect our elderly in those difficult times as they are the most vulnerable. How can you do it? Provide help for you parent caregiver. Carers from Veritas Care are highly trained and know how to handle emergency situations. They follow hygiene and infection control measures as set out by the NHS. However it is important to provide them with necessary means.
To properly do their job carers will need:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) – mask, disposable gloves, goggles, aprons.
- Disinfectants – soap, antibacterial gel and household cleaning supplies.
The safety of your elderly loved one should be a priority. Their carer should limit the time spend outside the house. As a family you can help by buying groceries or other necessities.
Your elderly loved one is in good hands
It is worth noting that carers also provide mental and emotional support for seniors. The coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time full of uncertainty. A sense of togetherness in times of crisis is extremely important. Caregiver will be at seniors side all day, talking to them and explaining what is going on.
A healthy diet, rest and exercise are factors that have a beneficial effect on the immunity system. Carers will cook healthy and tasty meals. Taking senior on the walk is still allowed and advisable. Staying active is important as well – caregivers have plenty of ideas up their sleeve.
Don’t worry, your elderly loved one is in good hands!
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