While most people who contract COVID-19 will see a full recovery, the long-term effects are not completely understood, yet. It is likely that those in high-risk categories, like seniors and persons with preexisting conditions, will need more care.
What to Expect During Discharge and Returning Home
At-home recovery is the goal for many patients. Hospitals are allowing some individuals to return home on supplemental oxygen, but how recovery unfolds depends.
There is no exact timeline for how coronavirus affects individuals, and people experience a range of mild to severe symptoms. Patients who are not as responsive to treatment may be weaker, forgetful, confused, have mobility issues, and have scarring of the lungs when discharged. Handling these side effects from having contracted COVID-19 might be a short-term or long-term part of their recovery.
Providing Support to Seniors Recovering From COVID-19
If you are taking care of someone who is recovering with mild to more severe effects from COVID-19, here are somethings you can do to help:
- Follow their doctor’s instructions. Lack of adherence to medication plans is the leading cause of hospital readmission. For the large majority, most people only have complications that last for a few days, and most tend to feel better after a week.
- Try over-the-counter medications to help reduce fever and alleviate pain.
- Stock up on their groceries, toiletries, and be sure to fill any prescriptions they have. If possible, have these items delivered to their home to limit outside contact and possible viral transmission.
- Take care of their pets and try to limit contact between the recovering owner and their pet, if possible.
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Viral Transmission
Keeping your health in mind is also critical when caring for someone recovering from COVID-19.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact through respiratory droplets from talking, sneezing, or coughing.
If you are providing care, do the following to limit possible transmission.
- Wear a face mask and gloves. Those providing care should wear a mask and gloves to avoid spreading the virus. Gloves should be thrown out after providing care. Individuals who are recovering should also wear a mask, especially when their caregiver is in the room. Our professional caregivers wear gloves and masks throughout their shifts and practice CDC Recommendations to prevent viral transmission.
- Individuals recovering should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible. Those in recovery should have their own “sick room” or area that allows them to be separate from others. When providing care, try to stay at least 6 feet away from the recovering individual.
- Avoid having any visitors. Having people over increases the risk of transmission. If someone wants to visit with the person who is in recovery, try using other options like calling on the phone, video calls, or email to stay in touch.
- Wash your hands often. Every time you take off your gloves or handle used items, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Don’t share personal items. To avoid viral transmission, do not share dishes, glasses, towels, bedding, or electors like cellphones with a person who is in recovery. - Disinfect surfaces often. Any area of the home that is often touched should be wiped down every day like tables, light switches, doorknobs, handles, toilets, faucets, and electronics.
Professional Assistance for Recovering At Home
Providing care for older family members recovering from COVID-19 can be difficult. If you believe your loved one needs more assistance recovering at home, professional caregivers can help.
Home care agencies follow CDC Guidelines while providing care to limit viral transmission and help speed recovery. At Westchester Family Care, all of our caregivers are trained in infection control and follow CDC recommendations, such as disinfecting surfaces and wearing new gloves and face masks for every shift.
By following these guidelines, our caregivers help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while providing comfort and safety to those recovering at home. Besides providing one-on-one assistance, professional caregivers can also help with medication reminders, meal preparation, and running errands to get needed necessities.
For those interested in assistance recovering at home, Westchester Family Care can help. Get in touch with us at info@westfamilycare.com or 914-764-7500.