The flu can be very serious for seniors. According to the CDC nearly 70 of the hospitalizations that occur because of the flu are seniors who are over the age of 70. Viruses are easy to spread, and having relatives and visitors who are coming from other places can increase the risk of spreading viruses at family dinners and get togethers. Some things that you should do at all holiday gatherings to protect your senior loved ones are:
Wash Hands Or Sanitize
Ask everyone to wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitizer as soon as they come inside the house. You can set up a little table in the entryway with hand sanitizer or direct people to the powder room or kitchen as soon as they come in to wash their hands. If you have a mudroom or laundry room near a closet ask people to wash their hands in the laundry room sink after hanging up their coats. If you have a 24-hour home care provider helping to take care of your senior loved one make sure they wash their hands often also.
Practice Social Distancing
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Everyone that is at the party or dinner should stay six feet apart whenever possible. Of course, unless you have a very large house that’s not going to be possible all the time. But you can place chairs and small tables at a distance from each other. Serve dinner buffet style instead of having a sit-down dinner so that people can take their food and spread out to eat. You should also use disposable plates and silverware.
Have Masks Available
Some people may be more comfortable wearing masks, especially if they are at high risk for the flu or other viruses. You can keep boxes of masks around the house so that if anyone feels like they need one they can grab one. Encourage your senior loved ones to wear masks and ask that anyone who is going to hug them wear a mask also for their protection.
Open A Window Or Go Outdoors
If you live in an area where it’s not so cold or if there is no snow consider having an outdoor party to keep everyone safe. Patio heaters and fire pits can heat up almost any outdoor space and make it comfortable for everyone to be outside. If being outside isn’t an option then consider opening a window to allow for some fresh air and airflow throughout the house. You also may want to turn on some fans.
Check Temperatures
If you’re very concerned about the flu because your senior loved ones have medical conditions that could get much worse if they get the flu you can use a hand held thermometer to check everyone’s temperatures as they arrive to ensure that no one is sick when they come in. After the party it’s a good idea to have a 24-hour home care provider take your senior loved one’s temperature regularly to make sure they don’t start a fever.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring 24-Hour Home Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
