Home Care Heroes: In-Home Caregivers Provide Essential Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Visiting Angels of Chelmsford

Posted on

May 17, 2021

Book/Edition

Massachusetts - Boston Metro West

Home Care Heroes: In-Home Caregivers Provide Essential Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Every day, thousands of older adults depend on in-home caregivers to help them manage everyday tasks. These caregivers have become even more essential during this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic which has caused significant public health and safety concerns for the elderly.
As the nation tries to find answers, in-home caregivers for the elderly remain resolute in delivering safe and compassionate personal care that is essential to the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults can rely on in-home caregivers to:
Maintain routines
Predictable visits from an in-home caregiver can help seniors feel safe and comforted. Caregivers help maintain familiar routines such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, taking medication, and preparing and eating meals.

Communicate with loved ones & stay engaged
The virus has changed the way this most vulnerable population socializes and interacts. Caregivers can helpseniors find new ways to connect, whether through setting up a new communications device or encouraging them to write letters. Caregivers can also support new ways to engage, such as participation in on-line classes or virtually touring cities or museums. Engagement with a caregiver reduces boredom and isolation which can be heightened during the pandemic. Their visits provide rewarding companionship.

Stock up
Caregivers can help seniors obtain necessary household supplies by doing the shopping or arranging for delivery of medication, groceries, and other goods.

Give peace of mind to families
When families cant be with their loved ones, caregivers are there to monitor a seniors health and overall well-being. Caregivers practiceproper hygiene to reduce health risks. They exercise frequent handwashing and disinfecting inside a seniors household to keep contagious illnesses and viruses at bay. They look for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, flu and other viruses, as well as depression and anxiety. Their efforts reassure families their loved ones are doing well, emotionally and physically.

Providing Safe, High-Quality Care the Elderly Deserve
Despite the challenges with COVID-19, home care agencies like Visiting Angels partner with families to provide essential home care services for older adults. Caregivers continue to be heroes, taking the necessary steps toprotect the elderly and prevent the spread of COVID-19.


Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karen Woodrow. Karen is the director/owner of two Visiting Angels locations. Visiting Angels provides compassionate home care for adults who want to remain independent in their own homes. She can be reached at KWoodrow@VisitingAngels.com.

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