VISITING ANGELS RESEDA, CA 818-206-8121
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Are Senior Care Facilities Safe Right Now? Long Term Care Facility Alternatives

When it comes to COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, elderly people are especially vulnerable to severe illness and care needs to be taken to protect this population. Early research is showing that adults 60 and older, especially those with preexisting medical conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or cancer are more likely to have a severe — even deadly — coronavirus infection than other age groups.  In our area of the San Fernando Valley there are several geographical areas where this aging population is larger such as Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Sherman Oaks and Bel Air.  

You may have a loved one in an elderly care facility or skilled nursing facility and be looking for an alternative senior care solution.  If you’re caring for an older loved one at home, you might be worried too. We looked to Alicia Arbaje, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. who specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics at Johns Hopkins, for her expert advice. She has several ideas that can help you keep the elderly person in your life safe during a time when contact is extremely limited.

Are Senior Care Facilities Safe Right Now?

You may have a loved one in a long term senior care facility right now and be worried about their safety.  If your loved one does not require specialized care, but just needs basic help around the home - a Visiting Angel senior care professional may be a good alternative to a local senior care facility.  Some of the local areas that are covered by our caregivers and services include (but are not limited to):

  • Granada Hills in home care
  • Porter Ranch local caregivers
  •  Sherman Oaks long term care alternative
  • Bel Air senior care facility alternative

 

Keep Yourself Well As A Caregiver During This Time Of Need

First and most important, as a caretaker, you should take all the precautions you can to avoid becoming infected yourself. There are some steps that you can take to care for yourself which will help the person that you are caring for.  Here are the basics:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, preparing food, using the bathroom, or touching surfaces in public places. 
  • Avoid crowds, and if you cough or sneeze, do so into the bend of your elbow or into a disposable tissue. 
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home often, including mobility and medical equipment used by your loved one, such as walkers, canes and handrails.
  •  If you are out shopping, take care as to where and when you go shopping - you don’t want to bring Covid-19 back home with you.

 

Practice social and physical distancing but not social isolation

One important way to lower the risk of your older family members catching COVID-19 is to limit in-person visits. But this may be tough for older adults who cherish time spent with friends and family members.

Arbaje says, “Social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on older people’s  immunity and mental health.”

She notes that in terms of social contacts, seniors should be encouraged to think beyond their usual circle of friends and family. “Saying hello to the mail carrier or checking in on neighbors close by can add to a sense of connectedness,” Arbaje says. 

With many houses of worship closing their doors until the pandemic eases, congregants, especially older ones, may feel cut off. “Faith communities are often a big part of older adults’ social lives,” Arbaje says. Caregivers might help their loved one access online services and outreach for spiritual solace and support.”

Technology For Staying Connected

To help older adults feel involved, purposeful, and less lonely during the pandemic:

  • Show them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops or tablets. 
  • Use apps on these devices to provide captions for adults with hearing challenges. 
  • Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.

 

Keep elders involved in during Covid-19

Arbaje recommends giving homebound older adults a project they can work on. “Think about going through and organizing old photos and memorabilia together, and enjoy the stories and happy memories they inspire. It can be a good time for an elder to demonstrate cooking a favorite family recipe or share favorite songs or movies with other people in the household.”

Does your family member need a local caregiver? Give us a call to set up a free assessment. (818) 206-8121

 

 

 

 

Serving Reseda, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and throughout the San Fernando Valley area

Visiting Angels RESEDA, CA
16600 Sherman Way #278
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Phone: 818-206-8121
Fax: 818-742-6246
HCO #194700201

Serving Reseda, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and throughout the San Fernando Valley area

Visiting Angels RESEDA, CA
16600 Sherman Way #278
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Phone: 818-206-8121
Fax: 818-742-6246
HCO #194700201