A large number of people around the globe have suffered from COVID-19. Statistics Canada found that dementia and Alzheimer’s were the most common medical conditions found in seniors who passed from COVID-19 last year.
Among the COVID-19 reported deaths in Canada, 36 percent have been linked to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Since these memory-related diseases are recognized as the most common comorbidity associated with COVID-19 deaths, it is necessary to be extra careful to protect your loved ones at this time. Here are some things you can do to help your family member that lives with dementia.
Seek Professional Help
If your parents, grandparents, or partner live alone, it might be tough for them to isolate and reduce contact with the virus since they have to go out grocery shopping and perform other daily activities. Helping your loved one move into one of the dementia care homes in Toronto can enable them to stay safer since they will receive professional help.
Living in a home-like residential home will ensure that the senior is taking their medication on time, staying safe from the virus through sanitization, and following all safety protocols. If an individual with dementia lives alone, they may not even remember the severity of the disease and overlook certain things. A registered nurse can assist them in the matter. You can also get the help of assisted living placement agency, that can help you find the right assisted living facility you deserve
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Limit Your Visits
Although unfortunate, having to limit how often you visit your loved one, it is necessary during this time. Before you make any plans, check with the care community about their visitation policies. If you get permission to go in, make sure to limit the surfaces you touch and maintain a distance from everyone at the residence.
If possible, try to take your family members outside their room to communicate if there is a garden or open space. Outdoor visits will reduce the risk of germ transmission. Sometimes, try to avoid visits and do video calls instead.
Keep Track of Your Health
You must keep track of your health before you visit any home where an elderly person resides. If you go into any residence feeling unwell, you increase the chances of getting others sick. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, go for a test and wait for it to come out negative before making any plans.
Ensure also to wear fresh masks, wash your hands before you go inside, and sanitize them. If you have been in contact with anyone who might have the virus, postpone your visit.
Be Careful with Gifts
If you plan to take any gifts for your loved ones, you need to ensure that you have adequately sanitized each item and the bags as well. If it is a fruit or vegetable, wash them before you bag them.
The best thing would be to limit the gifts you take at this time. However, if you still want to take something, don’t buy it and take the items straight there. Buy them beforehand, sanitize them, leave them out for a while, and then take them. This procedure will provide enough time for any potential germs on the surface to die.
The difficulties of keeping COVID-19 out of retirement communities might put a sense of fear in many people. However, by taking proper precautions, you can help safeguard your loved one’s health and wellbeing during this difficult time.
