It is well known that the elderly are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. And for family members and caregivers, it is essential that loved ones and clients stay as safe as possible during the age of the pandemic. Belleville Senior Services, an adult medical day care provider serving Belleville, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas, is happy to share some best senior care practices, detailing how the elderly can safely keep in touch with family and friends amid COVID-19.
Follow Updated Guidelines for Visits
The uncertainty and evolution of this virus are ever-changing, and new guidelines and discoveries are being made constantly. Therefore, the first step toward safe senior COVID-19 care is simply to regularly check and abide by suggested guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great resource that is always editing information and providing the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance for older adults.
Those with loved ones, who partake in services at Belleville Senior Services, can consult specific instructions for the state of NJ. You can also take a look at the COVID-19 measures being taken by our senior care specialists.
Get Outside
Many studies have found that visiting with others during the COVID-19 pandemic is much safer when done outdoors. This is a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family who are in senior care services or at high risk for the illness. Some fun outdoor activities to do with seniors include:
- Take a walk: There’s nothing quite like a nature walk on a nice day! Whether your loved one is mobile or in a wheelchair, they can still enjoy some fresh air as you walk together or push them along.
- Watch nature together: Bird feeding is a hobby that skyrocketed during the worldwide shutdown. Set up a bird feeder or bird bath and enjoy watching nature with your family and friends.
- Enjoy an outdoor meal: Have a picnic or grill out to enjoy delicious food, each other’s company, and some fresh air.
- Do a fun activity: If it is a nice day out, you can set up a small table on the deck or in the driveway and solve a puzzle, play a card game, paint, and more.
Since COVID-19 and other similar viruses are spread in close contact, contraction is far more likely in tight spaces or areas with poor ventilation. When you are outside, there is continuous airflow, which is more likely to keep droplets in the air moving. If the weather isn’t great and it is difficult to get outside, open up some windows to ensure that air is moving through. Masking is also a good practice when going outdoors or social distancing is not available.
Don’t Visit if You Are Not Feeling Well
Another safe practice is to refrain from visiting attendees of senior care services if you, or someone you’ve you have been around recently, is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19. CDC’s quick checklist is available for you to review before deciding if you should visit your loved one or not. It includes things like:
- Are you fully vaccinated?
- If you are not fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask around elderly people.
- Have you had flu or cold-like symptoms in the past few days? If yes, do not visit and get tested.
- Check your temperature and make sure you do not have a fever.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds right before and after visiting.
If you are feeling sick, have a fever, or are not vaccinated and do not plan to mask, you should refrain from visiting seniors, as you may be putting them at risk for the COVID-19 virus.
Count on Safe Senior Care at Belleville Senior Services
The team at Belleville Senior Services works hard to keep senior COVID-19 care under control. If you are looking for a senior medical day center that practices safe measures against all illnesses, including COVID-19, schedule a care consultation with Belleville Senior Services. If you have additional questions about safely keeping in touch with your elderly loved ones during the COVID-19 era, contact us today for more information.