Cooperative Living September 2020 - 27

that you be contacted immediately if
there are any complications.
AFTERWARD
Patients leaving hospitals are fearful
these days that they may have become
infected with COVID-19, unwittingly.
Ask your physician or a nurse
what equipment you'll need to monitor
yourself. Will you need masks and
gloves at home if someone is coming
in to help you with the transition?
Can someone provide that equipment?
" Family caregivers need instructions
that are clear, " says Martin Hatlie,
chief executive of Project Patient Care.
" They need to know who to call 24/7
if they have a question. And they need
clear guidance about infection control
in the home. "
If home care is being ordered, ask
the agency whether it has trained staff
to recognize COVID-19 symptoms.
And have home care workers been
tested for COVID-19 or had symptoms?
" Family caregivers
need instructions
that are clear. "
- Martin Hatlie,
Project Patient
Care
Practical Tips for
Caregivers Facing
a Pandemic
Story courtesy of Family Features
hether your role as
a caregiver has you
looking out for an elderly
relative, children or both,
chances are good that
you've worried about how
the COVID-19 pandemic
might affect your ability to
provide necessary care.
W
Caring for a loved one during a
pandemic requires extra precautions.
Following the most up-to-date guidelines from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention is the first step for caregivers looking after loved ones.
As caregivers continue to adjust during the pandemic, keep these tips in mind.
MAKE BACKUP PLANS. Most caregivers
have plans in place for temporary assistance
when things go awry, but COVID-19 is putting
many of those short-term solutions to the test.
A meal delivery service may be a good option
if grocery shopping and meal preparation
continue to be affected.
REDUCE EXPOSURE. Many long-term care
facilities have changed their visitation policies.
You might be able to visit a loved one through
a window, via a balcony or through video chat.
It's also important to minimize time spent out in
the community where you could unknowingly
contract the virus and pass it to a vulnerable
loved one.
A meal delivery service
may be a good option.
SHOP SMART. It's important to minimize extra shopping and supermarket
trips, and wear a mask in public. Some major pharmacies, where AARP members
get special benefits on health, wellness and beauty purchases, have introduced
special shopping hours for seniors and drive-thru shopping options.
RESCHEDULE WELLNESS APPOINTMENTS. Not only are doctor's offices
Finally, as you resume activities,
help protect others against COVID-19
as well as yourself.
When you go out into the world
again, " mask up, socially distance and
wash your hands, " says Kachalia of
Johns Hopkins. " And if you're sick or
have symptoms, by all means, let your
doctor's office know before you come in
for a checkup. " ■
Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news
service covering health issues and is an
editorially independent program of Kaiser
Family Foundation.
co-opliving.com
short on resources, a waiting room can be filled with germs that may cause
illness. Try to arrange for telephone or video-based appointments when possible
and cancel any appointments that aren't urgently necessary.
KEEP GERMS AWAY. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is critical.
In addition to washing hands after eating and using the restroom, anyone entering
and leaving the house should wash his or her hands. Also wipe down high-touch
surfaces like doorknobs, remotes and phone keypads.
COMBAT BOREDOM. Despite the good intentions of staying away, social
isolation can be a real concern for seniors. You can help keep them engaged
by increasing phone, video and online interaction, and encouraging family and
friends to do the same. Contract-free plans are available with free activation
and special rates for senior users. ■
Find more resources for caregivers at aarp.org/save.
September 2020 | Cooperative Living | 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
http://www.aarp.org/save http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2020

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