No one likes to fall ill. Whether it’s the seasonal flu or something more serious, contracting a virus is the last thing anyone wants to do. And although most people go out of their way to prevent themselves from falling ill, the elderly have to be more vigilant than their younger counterparts.Lifebuoy
And even if the elderly do everything they can to stay out of harm’s way, their loved ones could come into contact with a virus and pass it on to them. If you’re living with a senior citizen, these are the precautions you should take to minimise their chances of falling prey to viruses:
Discuss Hand Hygiene Mistakes
By now, everyone knows the importance of hand hygiene. But washing your hands incorrectly is just as bad as not washing them at all. It’s not enough to wash your hands with hygiene soap and water. You have to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly as wet hands harbour more germs than dry ones. If you’re using hand sanitiser, make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol.
Make Staying at Home Easier
Avoiding public spaces is one of the best ways your elderly loved one can avoid coming into contact with germs. If they are going to be home for an extended period, make sure they have enough food and medicine. And when they run out of household items, recommend that they have it delivered if possible. If they absolutely have to travel, try to get a friend or family member to give them a lift instead of having them use public transport.
Avoid Physical Contact When You’re Sick
This advice should be followed at all times, but even more when a virus is making the rounds (e.g. during flu season). If you’re feeling ill, keep a safe distance from the elderly to reduce the risk of infection. If possible, try to avoid shared areas such as the kitchen and living room until your symptoms resolve, and make sure high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and tabletops are regularly disinfected with products that contain bleach.
No one likes the idea of their elderly loved one falling ill. Old age almost always goes hand in hand with decreased immunity, so what might be a moderate infection for the young might prove dangerous for the elderly. This is why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to protect them from exposure to harmful germs.
Above all, remember that preparation will do you a whole lot more good than panic. A few simple considerations are all that’s needed to keep your elderly loved ones safe.
Source: Parenting - yourfamily.co.za
