In order to avoid putting your elderly loved ones at risk, many family members have forgone or severely limited their visits and activities with them. Physical distancing has left older adults vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, so it’s important for them to maintain a sense of connection throughout these difficult times. Research has shown that loneliness is linked to a higher risk for various physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, a weakened immune system, and cognitive decline. One option to limit the effects of isolation on your loved one is with the companionship of a caregiver.
At Coastal Home Care, we provide senior companion care to clients in Wicomico County, MD with an emphasis on respect and protecting privacy and dignity. As home-based care for seniors is considered an essential service during this time, we are continuing to operate while taking all necessary precautions to protect the health of our staff and clients. See the proactive measures Coastal Home Care has taken to stay safe in accordance with CDC guidelines here.
Below, we discuss the various ways senior caregivers can help your loved one during the COVID-19 climate.
Wellness Checks
In addition to completing daily health screenings themselves, our caregivers regularly monitor the health of our elders according to their completed COVID-19 training program. Comprehensive health screenings of clients are performed at every clinical touchpoint.
Caregivers can also engage in mental check-ins with elders to identify any signs of anxiety or other issues. Fear surrounding the virus combined with social isolation from friends and family can impact a person in different ways, and it’s usually evident in their speech or behavior.
Enhanced Cleaning
Maintaining cleanliness and safety in the home has always been a priority for caregivers, who are now following additional protocols including:
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces, such as countertops, faucets, cabinets, doorknobs, and light switches.
- Frequent hand washing before, during, and after visits to the home.
- Continued and updated training on infection protocol and prevention.
Continued Activity and Connection
With visitors restricted or limited in the home, a senior caregiver can ensure that your loved one receives the companionship and assistance they need. Some of the ways caregivers help include:
- Encouraging the client to avoid boredom with physical and mental activity such as reading, stretching, painting, working on a puzzle, etc.
- Making sure the client continues with daily activities such as personal hygiene and grooming, grocery shopping, cleaning, as well as cooking and preparing highly-nutritional meals.
- Assisting older adults with communicating with loved ones virtually via Facetime, Zoom, or with other video applications.
- Empowering the client by involving them in decision-making over ordering meals, groceries, or prescription medicine online for delivery.
Coastal Home Care: Professional Senior Companion Care in Wicomico County
It can be difficult to balance the desire to help your elderly loved one with the recommendation to limit physical contact during this time. At Coastal Home Care, we are continuing to offer senior companion care in Wicomico County, MD, and taking all preventative measures and precautions to protect our elders while providing quality care.
We begin the process with an assessment by one of our Registered Nurses, who will then create a personalized “Plan of Care” for your loved one, which our Certified Nursing Assistants follow under careful supervision. Our elderly care options are individualized to match your loved one’s needs and preferences, and we offer services to help with a range of daily activities.
Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to learn more about our compassionate care services, or fill out a form to schedule a consultation today.