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Tag: senior safety

A Checklist for COVID-19 Safety

During the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s work together to flatten the curve. There are preventative measures you can follow to keep yourself safe. From social distancing to washing your hands, these practices are important to slow the spread and limit the exposure for higher risk groups, such as seniors and children. For more coronavirus safety tips, follow along in our blog.

1. Stay at Home

There are exceptions to the rule when it comes to staying at home, such as medical visits and grocery shopping. However, staying inside needs to be a priority. If you want to find more ways to lessen your exposure, many companies are offering drop-off services for groceries and other necessities. Additionally, elderly individuals can depend on senior care services for transportation and grocery pick-up, including fulfilling requests for personal care and meal preparation.

2. Practice Social Distancing

To protect your loved ones from COVID-19, it is recommended to practice social distancing. This means staying at least six feet apart and avoiding close contact with family and friends. Of course, caregivers should maintain caution when coming in contact with seniors for medical applications and otherwise.

3. Wash Hands

The CDC recommends to “wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. It’s especially important to wash before eating or preparing food, before touching your face, after using the restroom, etc.”

4. Clean and Disinfect

Fighting against the virus necessitates cleaning and disinfecting. Clean household items with disinfectant wipes that have antibacterial properties. Some areas to wipe down include countertops, light switches, doorknobs, toilet handles, faucets, and more.

5. Wear a Mask in Public

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 with a face covering. This is to limit the spread of droplets if you happen to cough or sneeze. A cloth covering is suggested by the CDC, as N95 masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Wearing a mask in public settings where you cannot practice social distancing is also recommended.

Conclusion

To learn more about what Home Instead Senior Care is doing to slow the spread of COVID-19, visit us online. You can also follow us on our social media pages for the latest updates. Remember, we are all in this together!

Home Modifications for Your Senior

Home modifications can make it possible for seniors to live a comfortable life at home. Some modifications, such as ramps and walk-in showers, are just a few ways to improve safety inside the home, while also adding convenience for daily activities. Follow along in our blog for ways to make your senior’s living space more accessible!

Ramp Modifications

Indoor ramps are a useful home modification for older adults who use wheelchairs. These indoor ramps provide smooth transitions from one surface to another, making it safer to move throughout the home. We recommend threshold ramps, which are made from rubber components. They can easily be adjusted to the height of the door jamb or steps.

Kitchen Modifications

Washing dishes can be a challenging task if the sink is too deep or hard to reach over. Countertops and cabinetry may also be too high, especially for those using a wheelchair. To fix this problem, hiring a contractor to come in and adjust the counter height or lower the sink may be necessary. Moving tableware to lower shelfs, like bowls and plates, can also make everyday items more accessible!

Bathroom Modifications

Getting in and out of the shower may prove difficult for seniors as they age. One way to solve this problem is to replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower, which provides a much easier (and safer) entry and exit compared to a bathtub. In addition, installing a shower bar can give seniors something to hold onto while maneuvering to and from the tub. If an elderly person is having difficulty standing for long periods of time, consider a bathtub bench for more convenience!

Conclusion

Caring for an elderly loved one means making changes around the house as they grow older. If you have a senior that needs home assistance, contact Home Instead Senior Care. We provide the best quality care from the comfort of your elder’s home, with services tailored to you and your family’s needs. Visit our website for more information!