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As the coronavirus spreads, many nursing homes are struggling to prevent and contain the virus. Although for caregivers and home health nurses, they need to decide how to protect themselves and the person being cared for. Many of their patients are elderly or suffer from chronic illnesses. Therefore, having a caregiver around is necessary and required for dressing, bathing, and taking medications.
There are ways to continue to be a caregiver in a safe and efficient way despite the spread of the virus. If you are a caregiver or you know someone who is a caregiver, they need to be prepared if the current state of the virus worsens.
Countries around the world like China and Italy are currently on lockdown, although the U.S. has not taken that measure yet. With travel being banned, the spread of the virus is alleviated some, but still poses a risk to many people. Health care workers who have traveled recently may be unable to see their patients and may need to self-quarantine.
If you may have been exposed to the virus through traveling or contact with another affected person, you cannot be around someone with a compromised immune system or chronic conditions. This could dangerously limit healthcare providers for those in need.
For home health workers and caregivers, here are ways to maintain your health and safety:
There could be a shortage of home health workers with the current spread of the virus. With many people staying home from work or being unable to leave the house, the need for caregivers is higher than normal. In the U.S., there are currently around 2 million home care workers who assist elderly individuals and people with disabilities. It has been estimated that the home health industry has doubled in the past 10 years.
Many healthcare workers may feel worried about not being able to work and struggling to make ends meet. In case your hours or shifts are cut back by your employer, you should be putting aside money each week if you may be out of work for some time. There are other ways to make money if your current employment changes.
Even though you may feel pressure to work when you’re not feeling well, you are causing more harm by working when sick. If you can’t take care of your patient because of your own health, you can reach out to your employer and have another caregiver or the patient’s family member take over. While our jobs are important, your health is more important.
As the coronavirus spreads, many nursing homes are struggling to prevent and contain the virus. Although for caregivers and home health nurses, they need to decide how to protect themselves and the person being cared for. Many of their patients are elderly or suffer from chronic illnesses. Therefore, having a caregiver around is necessary and required for dressing, bathing, and taking medications.