From Their Eyes

Author

Larchwood Inns and The PARC Skilled Nursing

Posted on

Jul 21, 2020

Book/Edition

Colorado - Western Slope

Our Elders are facing a period were visiting their loved ones puts them at risk. They must battel internally the decision whether to venture out to the store, wrap their arms around their family or stay in their homes and visit thru windows, online meeting groups, or phone calls. These are not easy choices for our Elders to make, but we can do things to help make these choices easier and safer for them. Studies have shown that there are key steps to take to reduce passing COVID-19 onto our Elders. Perform frequent hand washing using hand sanitizers with 70% alcohol or higher. Use Social Distancing wand wear a mask or other face and nose covering, these are key factors to helping reduce the spread of COVID-19. Masks maintain source control and protects others. If we all wear a mask and use social distancing, we can prevent the spread of viruses and protect one another.

If you know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you need to self-quarantine in your home for 14 days. It is still good to quarantine if you have travelled somewhere that has large numbers of COVID-19 or rapidly increasing. Avoid large gatherings and perform self-screening each day including taking your temperature and monitoring for any shortness of breath, change of taste, sneezing, or coughing. Remembering that many people that are spreading the COVID-19 virus has no symptoms. While you are waiting to see if any symptoms develop, stay in close contact with your Elder so they do not worry and know that you are doing these things to help protect them. When they know you are taking extra precautions it helps to support their and your decision on which kind of visit is best. With our elders being the population at greatest risk from COVID-19, they know it may be a life or death situation and knowing their loved ones are taking all precautions to help minimize the risk to their Elder, puts their mind at a greater ease. This Pandemic will be around for several month and if we all get in the habit following these simple guidelines we can really help our Elders and still enjoy all the love, the stories, and those precious moments with them without putting them at risk.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Melissa Latham RN, NHS, Administrator at Larchwood Inns and The PARC. She may be reached at 970-245-0022 or by email at: MelissaL@LarchwoodInn.com

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