How Can I Lower the Risk of Coronavirus for My Ageing Loved One?

According to stats reported by Australia’s Department of Health, the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Australia is on the low side compared to some of the “hot spots” around the world. Even so, it’s important to consider how family carers can reduce their risk of being exposed to the virus, especially since it can be dangerous for older adults. Here’s what you need to know if you’re providing care for a senior loved one.

Why Are the Elderly Considered an “At-Risk” Group?

COVID-19 is a new virus, and humans have no natural immunity to it right now. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because the function of a group of white blood cells called T-cells naturally decreases with age. These cells are important because they allow the immune system to adapt to new invaders (pathogens), such as viruses.

Also, older adults are more likely to have underlying health issues that can make it difficult to fight off viruses, which is why the flu is considered more dangerous for older adults. Unlike the flu, there’s no vaccine available yet for the coronavirus.

Ageing in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Sydney, NSW, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our care workers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

How Can Family Carers Protect Ageing Loved Ones?

The first thing you can do is urge your loved one to remain at home. Another step you can take is to make sure he or she has a sufficient supply of healthy foods and all necessary medications. Also, remind your loved one to wash his or her hands thoroughly on a regular basis. Additional steps to consider taking to protect your loved one include:

• Limiting in-person visitors as much as possible
• Encouraging him or her to use video chat and other remote communication options to stay connected with other family members and friends
• Planning in-home activities that are both physically and mentally stimulating to maintain overall health and wellbeing

A home care worker can run errands, including shopping for groceries and picking up prescriptions, so your parent doesn’t have to leave home. If your ageing loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care. Sydney Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home care workers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Why Might In-Home Care Be a Safer Alternative to Assisted Living Care?

Assisted living facilities certainly do their best to keep residents safe. However, in these environments, older adults tend to be in close contact with other people. Normally, this is a positive thing, but it’s not as beneficial when there are concerns about a new virus.

An alternative solution to consider is in-home aged care. As the name implies, it’s care that’s provided in the comfort of your loved one’s own home. It’s also an effective way to minimise contact, since care is only provided on an as-needed basis. Plus, care providers are trained to be cautious with hygiene and exposure to germs. Having an in-home care worker can also be beneficial while concerns about coronavirus are at such a high level for the following reasons:

• Care is often provided by the same care worker
• The care worker can provide companionship and reassurance during times when you’re not able to provide care yourself
• Professional in-home care workers are trained to spot signs of illness early, which can provide added peace of mind for both you and your loved one 

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for ageing adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family carers who need a break from their caring duties. If you need compassionate, professional aged care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at [hca_phone].

With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Home Care Assistance, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their carers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our care workers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimising their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Home Care Assistance helps protect clients, click here: https://homecareassistance.com/covid-19.