Coronavirus - Helping Seniors Through Unprecendented Times
Unending media coverage of the Coronavirus has
created a sense of alarm; people are very worried about their health and the
economy. The reality is healthy people will get sick and their bodies will work
through it in time. The major concern is the virus spreading to those who
aren’t healthy such as those with compromised immune systems, and older adults with
exacerbating health conditions.
An unfortunate result of 24/7 news coverage is a
sense of panic that is setting in across the country. People have begun shopping
in bulk, buying every sanitizing product around, and acting irrational, which
in turn raises the level of angst. Two very simple ways to combat this virus is
being diligent about hand washing and avoiding close contact with others for 30
days. Keep doing your normal daily routine and in time, we’ll get through this.
A residual consequence of panic is major disruption
in the operation of business. This can bankrupt hundreds, even thousands of
businesses, causing more damage than the actual virus. The CDC has given us
many tools to help limit the spread of the disease:
·
Stay home
if you’re sick. If you have the Coronavirus isolate yourself at
home and only leave the home to seek medical attention. Once you don’t have a
fever for 24 hours without medications you may return to normal activities.
·
Avoid
public areas. Do not go to school, work or public areas.
·
Avoid
public transportation. Do not get onto a train, bus or taxi.
·
Stay away
from others. Stay in a specific room in your home away from
others. Use a separate bathroom and disinfect it often.
·
Limit
contact with your pets. Pets do collect dirt and bacteria on their
fur. Give them a bath and if you’re sick leave them alone.
·
If you do need to see the doctor due to the
Coronavirus call ahead and make an appointment. They will then be able to take
steps to protect others.
·
Wear a
facemask If you’re sick or taking care of a sick loved one.
·
Cover your
cough and sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately and then
immediately wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not
available, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.
·
Do not
share personal household items such as drinking glasses, cups,
towels, bedding, etc. Wash thoroughly after use.
·
Clean all high
touch surfaces every day with disinfectant. This includes counters,
tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets
and bedside tables.
In these unusual times those of us with senior
loved ones should encourage them to stay home until the virus dies out. It is
equally important to support them as they remain indoors, by picking up prescriptions,
buying or having groceries and meals delivered during the crisis.
Most senior communities are now limiting visits
from outsiders to help prevent the spread of the disease to their residents. You
can employ today’s technology, communicating with your loved ones via computer,
phone, Facetime and Skype. Remaining in close (virtual) contact will help keep
spirits up while safely keeping an eye on one another.
Granted, these are unprecedented times,
however, it’s very important to keep calm, do business as usual (the new usual)
and as mom used to tell us, wash your hands.