Virus Prevention Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas

Caregivers in Naples, FL and surrounding areas should keep these precautions in mind when providing senior care

There is one thing that is certain these days, and that’s that the current pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way we interact with one another. This disruption in our lives has impacted just about every facet of our lives and has been disproportionally damaging to our elderly population. So, if you’re caring for an elderly loved one, it’s only natural to be anxious and worried about them being vulnerable to COVID-19. So, how do you keep your senior loved one safe during such an infectious epidemic?

Alecia Pineo is the owner and director of Visiting Angels of Mid-Maine but is also a registered nurse herself. She is offering some simple ways to make sure that your senior loved one is as protected as they can be, as well as their caregivers. 

Back to the Basics of Proper Hygiene During the Pandemic

The best way to take preventative measures when dealing with the coronavirus is to, “act as if you have come into contact with a virus that has contaminated your clothes and belongings” is what Pineo says. She further states that having this kind of mindset will force you to be careful of what you touch and how frequently you wash your hands. This is especially applicable to caregivers providing regular care to seniors.

When preparing to give care or be in contact with an elderly person, care providers should wash their hands, put on their masks, not touch their faces and clean all high-touch objects and surfaces. Pineo also says that “it’s good to wear gloves, but not if wearing them creates a false safety net”. This is because gloves get dirty and can still spread germs. It’s important for caregivers to know they should be changing their gloves often and washing their hands. Care providers should also be wearing masks, in order to prevent themselves from touching their face. A lot of what it takes to prevent the spread of viruses like the coronavirus is to just observe basic hygiene.

Principles of Separation

Pineo describes that the best way to prevent the spread of any virus is to keep objects separate and clean. This means sanitizing surface areas that are high touch so that germs don’t have a pathway to spread.

She offers some of the following tips when providing care for seniors in Naples and throughout Collier County:

• Leaving jewelry off and other accessories that could carry germs
• Bringing clean shoes to a senior’s home and keeping dirty ones outside
• Putting long hair up and wearing short sleeve shirts as opposed to long
• Wearing clean clothes and only wearing clothes once before washing them
• Using bags that can easily be wiped down and disinfected

To learn more about preventing the spread of the coronavirus, follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or contact our Naples, FL office for more information.