Christmas, COVID and the In-Home Caregiver

Christmas is just a few weeks away, but the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on.

To keep everyone safer, including vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, it is recommended that large gatherings be avoided. Even small groups are encouraged to be limited to only individuals who have been quarantining together.

This can be hard on seniors who may live alone and their families who want to see them for the holidays but also want to reduce risk of spreading the virus. If visitations are taking place, several COVID-19 precautions are recommended by the CDC:

• Wear a mask when not eating or drinking.

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water; use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

• Maintain at least six feet of separation between individuals.

• Wipe down commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, light switches, remotes and pens with disinfecting wipes.

• Avoid visiting if you have any coronavirus symptoms or have been recently exposed to someone who tested positive.

Turning to In-Home Care You Can Trust

In-home caregivers can be a beneficial option for ensuring your loved one receives the care they need while staying safe. Having a single person go to their home and assist with daily activities or provide companionship can reduce their exposure risk. Furthermore, by using a licensed agency for senior care, you can have peace of mind that inhome caregivers have been trained on COVID-19 protocols, especially when working with seniors. Always Best Care ensures that its caregivers stay abreast of the latest guidelines and best practices and implement these standards during each interaction.

Health screenings and safety and sanitation protocols are a top priority amid coronavirus. Licensed agencies have access to quality tools, resources and training to keep both staff and seniors safer. Plus, they must maintain compliance with local, state and federal regulations. You can feel confident that your loved one’s in-home caregiver understands how to effectively communicate and best meet their unique needs. Care is tailored to their level of need while helping them to remain as independent as possible.

Respite Care for the Holidays

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, inhome care can also be a muchneeded source of respite. Respite care gives you a break but ensures your loved one is still receiving the proper assistance. With the current pandemic, families may not want to put aging parents at risk. An in-home caregiver can help seniors connect virtually with family, offer companionship, help with meal preparation and assist with other tasks. Also, if someone in the family is in isolation due to potential coronavirus exposure or confirmed illness, they do not have to worry about who will help take care of their aging parent. A highly trained, trusted in-home caregiver is ready to step in.

Always Best Care is a locally owned franchise and holds a Louisiana license for personal care. Licensed and bonded, and Workers Comp covers caregivers and workers. Contact ABC at 318-434-5300 to learn more and schedule a free consultation.

Keith Carter, Always Best Care, senior care, 4700 Line Avenue, Suite 111 Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 424-5300 abc-shreveport.com