When it comes to the transmission of the COVID-19, everyone knows that the elderly are more at risk than anyone else. There are a wide variety of precautions that need to be taken in order to minimise the number of transmissions. The only way to fully prevent infections is to rely on remote visits, many people who live in care homes will want their loved ones to visit them in person. It is crucial for many elderly people to see the people they care about. While it is a perilous situation, there are many ways to prevent transmissions and allow visitors.
Remote, Screened, & Outdoor Visits
Of course the best way to avoid transmitting the COVID-19 virus is to avoid in-person visitations. Either way, remote visits can help lower the risk of transmission by lowering the number of times people come in-person. These should be used for the people who aren’t as close to the patient as others. It can also be done at the request of the patient.
Beyond remote visits, care homes can require that visitors be tested for the virus beforehand. This not only provides safety, but peace of mind to the visitation. While some of the rapid tests aren’t as accurate as the others, getting tested will enable people to visit safely.
Finally, outdoor visits offer space for physical distancing. Direct sunlight also kills the virus, so be sure to sit outside in the sun if you can. Not only do the outdoors provide the ability to distance far enough from your loved one, fresh air and sunlight can make it even safer.
Policy & Personalization
An overall policy should be created for each care home based on the facility and the people who live there. Keeping these people safe is the main priority. While the visitation policy can be changed depending on the person and their situation, it is important to have care home policies that are consistent. Exceptions can be made for someone at the end of their life. The personnel that work at the home care facility should be sure to talk to the patients’ family to understand what their wishes are. It is important to keep everyone as safe as possible while having compassion for those who need to see their families.
When an Infection Occurs
Every care home should take into account the possibility of an infection occurring at the facility. It is crucial to have a thought-out plan for when infections occur. According to McGinley Solicitors, who specialise in different types of injury claims, a care home can be sued if there is a transmission that could have been avoided. When anyone gets the virus, they should be quarantined—separated from the others. It is important to have a plan for where these people will go and how you will keep the others as safe as possible. It isn’t easy to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 when someone contracts the virus, but it is important to try. Getting everyone tested immediately will help, but with such finicky virus prevention is the most important thing.
The Home Care Environment
Even once visitors have left, it is crucial to keep patients distanced from each other. Keeping the mindset in the home is important. The elderly sometimes need to be reminded of things and this is no different. You can also use statistics to inform your home care environment. However you look at it, it’s vital to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by mitigating the risks of infection.
When no one is infected at the care home, somebody will have to bring it in from the inside. If you limit visitations and take the proper precautions, you can avoid infections and keep everyone in the home safe. Still you can have visitors if these precautions are taken into account and respected. The elderly are the most at risk when it comes to COVID-19 and we all need to do our part to protect them. If you’re thinking about visiting a home care facility, you should quarantine yourself for two weeks, get tested, and keep your distance. You’ll end up being a life saver.