When you work as a caregiver, it can become overwhelming and stressful because of how time-consuming and hectic it can become. Caring for another person on top of caring for yourself and loved ones can be tough and you could potentially develop caregiver burnout. However, caring for someone while there is a crisis like the COVID-19 happening is something that no one is readily prepared to handle. Although these days can seem terrifying at times, it does not mean that there is no way to overcome them as a caregiver and a person which is why we created some caregiving tips to help you during a crisis.
Why Be a Caregiver?
Caregiving is a fulfilling job where you can help another person who needs someone to care for them because they are not able to care for themselves due to a long-term injury, illness or developmental or intellectual issues and so on. Although some people do not have the option to decide on whether they want to be a caregiver to a family member or not, it does not mean that this sudden responsibility is any less rewarding. Caregivers choose to help those around them and even strangers because it is something that they were meant to do so they can better the world.
Why Have a Caregiver?
Hiring a caregiver is important because caregivers can provide additional help for your loved ones in their own home without having to relocate them to another facility where they can be more susceptible to diseases and viruses like the COVID-19. When you have a caregiver, you will be receiving care in your home rather than having to be in a facility that could potentially expose you to other viruses and bacteria. You will also be able to recover faster from an illness when you are at home since you will not have others to expose the illness to and have it come back to you.
How to Stay Safe During a Crisis
As a caregiver, you typically care for the person in their home and if it is a family member you are caring for then they might be living with you or you will be at their home. This means that you will be exposed to their infections and if they are currently sick but recovering from COVID-19 and it is not a dire situation then they will be at home recovering. If this occurs, then it is important for you to know how to protect yourself from becoming exposed.
Areas of Separation
To prevent the spread of the virus, it is important to contain the virus by not entering the infected person’s bedroom. If the person you are caring for does not have a bathroom in their room then you can move them to a room that has a bathroom in order to reduce the spread of the virus since the bathroom is used as much as a bedroom is used. This also means keeping their doors closed as much as possible to ensure that there is a physical barrier between the virus and the rest of the house.
Social Distancing
It might seem strange to practice social distancing when you are living with others, but it can happen and it is important to enforce since the COVID-19 can lead to a lot of problems for those who have a bad immune system and so on. If the person you are caring for is sick, then when you need to give them food or medication then it is important to wear masks and gloves for both parties and always wash your hands. If you need to communicate with them then you can do so via phone or electronically or if you are 6 feet away or further from them.
Airflow
Having good airflow is important since it is said that the virus is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, and sneezing and it can stay in the air for hours. To keep your air clean, you will always need to keep your windows open or have the air on.
Clean House
Finally, keeping your home or the home you are working at clean. This means that bleach, disinfectant, and all the rest of the cleaning supplies are your new best friend while the virus is out there.
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