Caregiver Corner - Caring for Someone with Covid-19
If you are a family caregiver, there is a high possibility that you are providing care for someone with Covid-19. Although most caregivers have done everything they’ve been advised to do to keep their loved ones safe, people continue to contract the disease and will continue to do so until we have reached a vaccination rate that significantly reduces the risk.
Until that time caregivers will continue to care for people with the disease. Although Covid-19 is highly contagious, there are things that care givers can do to decrease their risk of becoming infected. Below are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
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Limit Contact. Even though you continue to care for your family member, you can reduce the number of times you have physical contact to the absolute minimum. You can sit 6 feet apart when you’re not engaged in activities that require hands on care. Use separate bathrooms if possible. Eat in separate areas.
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Wear Personal Protective Equipment. Have your loved one wear a facemask to help prevent the spread of the disease and you should wear a face mask at all times. Wear gloves when coming into contact with any bodily fluids.
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Avoid sharing personal items. Use separate dishes & glasses. Don’t share bathroom items. Clean your phone with antiseptic wipes after each use if you are sharing the phone. Try not to share the TV remote. If you must, wipe it often.
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Wash & dry laundry separately. It may be more work to keep clothing and towels and bedding separate but it can make the difference in spreading the disease.
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Line your trash cans with plastic bags. If you toss something with germs on it into the empty trash can, the germs remain even after the can is emptied. Using a bag liner means the germs get tossed with the trash.
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Monitor your health. Check your temperature. Ask yourself if you’re feeling achy, congested, short of breath. Get yourself tested if you know you’ve been exposed. Get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible.
For many caregivers, Covid-19 has required them to spend more time, isolated with their loved ones. If you have been cooped up for a long time and feel you need a break, please call the Agency on Aging and inquire about respite for family caregivers. We may be able to help. Call our main # 203-785-8533 and select option 4 for the ADRC.
