By now we’ve all noticed that seniors are one of the highest hit populations when it comes to Covid-19. Nursing home numbers for the disease have been extremely high.

If you’ve been caring for a parent, or an older loved one, you might be a little worried about the potential of getting them sick. Below are some general health-related tips for caregiving for the elderly during the pandemic, without getting them sick.

Tips for Caregiving for the Elderly During the Pandemic

Minimize Unnecessary Exposure

If you’re caregiving for an older adult, you’ll need to take some precautions in your own daily life. Trips to the doctor for things like annual checkups or elective procedures could be postponed. Unnecessary errands and travel could also be avoided for their safety.

It’s also good to avoid crowds, wear masks in public, and generally follow the terms of your state’s stay at home orders.

Monitor Your Own Hygiene  

One of the best ways that you can prevent the spread of the virus is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, multiple times a day. If that’s not possible, hand sanitizer can help to disinfect. It’s also good to avoid touching your face as much as possible, too.

Clean Frequently

We aren’t always thinking about frequently touched surfaces within the home. Countertops, door handles, light switches, and sink handles can often harbor a lot of germs. Cleaning and disinfecting these areas on a regular basis can help prevent getting sick. Keeping these surfaces clean is important, especially if you are caregiving for the elderly during the pandemic.

Practice Social Distancing Without Social Isolation

The virus is often spread by human contact. Hugs, handshakes, and other personal greetings can frequently spread it from one person to another. For this reason, it’s crucial to cut down on in-person visits. Technology can help people remain connected. It may be time to help set your loved one up with some form of video calling, to help them remain connected.

Seniors can still check in with the people who they may still see in the course of their day, such as neighbors, or the mailman. This can leave them with a feeling of connectedness.

Maintain A General Sense of Caution 

The important thing to remember is that seniors are more vulnerable to this virus than other segments of the population. If you’re caregiving for the elderly during the pandemic, it’s important to keep their health and their risks in mind as you navigate daily life. As parts of the country begin the process of reopening, it’s important to take general precautions to protect them.