The time when COVID-19 continues to spread all over the world, elderly people, and those who have chronic problems are in the risk zone. Every week, more than 40% of the registered cases are senior citizens aged 50 and above. Such stats bring to mind an inevitable question – how can we keep our elderly relatives and loved ones safe during the pandemic? Here is a list of personal safety tips for the elderly.
Keep social distancing
Crowds are not the best place to stay during the pandemic. The major tip for keeping elderly people safe is social distancing. The incubation period of up to two weeks, the virus may live in the human body without the person even knowing about it. When you are in the crowd of other people, it’s difficult to gauge is someone is infected. Personal safety tips would be to stay at home and avoid going out into public.
Enhance personal hygiene
Always wash your hands with soap or rub your hands with alcohol-based disinfectants before coming in contact with the elderly ones. It would be a good idea if you take a shower and change closes before the physical contact with people who are in the risk group.
Monitor their health
Encourage your elderly relatives to check their temperature twice a day. In addition to fever, watch any signs of respiratory illnesses they may have. Whenever you notice them coughing or difficulty in breathing, then call your family physician for a consultation. Always note that it’s not advisable to go to the emergency department and avoid unnecessary contacts.
Maintain a clean home
Disinfect surfaces inside your home. Maintain phones, tables, sinks, doorknobs, and other surfaces clean.
Help them with the shopping
Ask your elderly relatives about the things they need to buy in a supermarket and go shopping instead of them.
Keep these safety tips in mind and take care of your elderly ones to minimize the risk of infection.
