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. 

Country & State Lockdowns

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. 

How To Continue Care

For home health workers and caregivers, here are ways to maintain your health and safety:

• If you are unable to take care of your patient for any reason, reach out to their family, friends, and loved ones to see if they can provide care for them in the meantime. Even if this means stopping by in the morning and at night. They will need someone to give them medication, bathe, and dress them. 
• Set up contingency plans with your employer in case of sickness. Will another healthcare provider be able to take care of your patient?
• Follow safety protocols in an effort to keep you and your patient healthy. By washing hands constantly and avoid touching your hands and face, those are the best ways to prevent the virus spread. The elderly and immune-compromised are the most at risk during this time, take extra precautions to keep their home clean. 
• If you rely on public transportation, you have to check to see if it is affected at this time. Certain buses or trains may not be running or not as often. Find a way to get to your patient in advance. 
• Make sure your patient’s home is well-stocked on essentials like cleaning wipes, spray disinfectants, soap, toilet paper, and food. If any stores were to close, your patient will have plenty of products so they don’t have to worry. 

High Demand For Caregivers

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. 

Managing Finances

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. 

Don’t Neglect Your Health

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.