In the past year, many people have resumed their social lives, started traveling again, and hosted large celebratory gatherings, but for those in frequent contact with seniors, it remains crucial to take precautions in order to help keep their loved ones safe and healthy. Omicron and all the other coronavirus variants that cause COVID-19 are particularly dangerous to older people. If you’re caring for a senior, take a look below at these 7 important caregiver tips during COVID-19.  

1. Prioritize your health 

It’s important to practice healthy habits to prevent picking up the virus and passing it on to your loved one. These habits include washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, wearing your mask in public places, and keeping the surfaces of your home and car disinfected. 

2. Practice social distancing 

Even when taking all of the above precautions to keep yourself healthy, it’s still best to maintain a healthy social distance when in the company of your loved one. Whether you’re in their home to help clean or just stopping by to drop off groceries, try to stay 6 feet away. 

3. Wear your mask 

We all miss seeing the faces of our friends and family members, but our masks are helping to keep us safe. When visiting your loved one, or driving them to doctor’s appointments, your mask adds another layer of precaution that helps to ensure their health and safety. If your senior has a large enough yard where you can maintain a 6-foot distance from one another, you can use your own discretion about wearing a mask in those circumstances.

4. Supply everything needed to prepare nutritious meals

It’s important to ensure that your loved one has everything they need to prepare healthy meals. Although some stores do offer special hours for health compromised individuals, they’re not always convenient. Get fresh groceries and drop them off regularly or do the cooking yourself. Maybe rotate with other family members. If your loved one likes to cook, you can order a meal kit delivery box, which comes with all the ingredients needed for delicious meals. Prepared meal delivery service is another option. 

5. Keep the toiletries stocked

Ask your loved one what toiletries they use on a daily basis. Then make a list, and go shopping. Toilet paper, soap, lotion, q-tips, toothpaste, paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Purchase enough that they can replenish from their own supply at least once if they run out. Keep the list and restock regularly.

6. Check in often

Social isolation during the pandemic has led to emotional and mental issues all over the world. Even if your loved one is active and independent, the stresses of a global pandemic with no end in sight can sneak up on them and result in depression or other mental health problems. Checking in often can help you notice subtle changes before they become bigger issues. Ask neighbors and other family members to check in as well. 

7. Provide technology support

During stay-at-home orders, technology has helped us carry on with our work, our friendships, and our fitness routines.  But for a lot of elderly people, computers are a new language, and email is about as far as they’ve gotten in learning that language. If you can take the time to help your senior with FaceTime or Zoom or any other platform that allows them face-to-face contact with their friends and family, it can help them to see more smiles and feel more connected. 

5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

If your favorite senior is in need of rehabilitation following a joint-replacement surgery, stroke, injury or illness, Bella Vista is here to help. Our team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff is committed to the overall health and wellbeing of every resident. We are a COVID-free facility, and we offer physical, speech, occupational, and respiratory therapy up to 7 days a week. We have a registered dietitian on staff 7 days a week who prepares nutritious meals to accommodate allergies, medical conditions, dietary preferences, and religious needs. We also offer a variety of social and creative activities to help keep your loved one connected, healthy, and happy. For more information on our services or COVID protocols, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.