Self- Isolation: Quick Tips for Caregivers and Household Members

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected millions of people around the world has undoubtedly changed the lives of caregivers caring for seniors.

Whether it is the risk of infection or handling underlying critical medical conditions, both professional and family caregivers are going through a tough time.

As a caregiver, if you are caring for the ones with infection, you must follow adequate preventive measures.

In case you are facing some early symptoms of the disease, you should inform health care providers and isolate yourself without any delay.

Close contact with someone may spread the infection, which can be fatal for your family members and closed ones.

Practice Social Distancing

Social distancing is the key to avoid the spread of the infection to others when you are witnessing the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

One should maintain adequate distance when performing essential tasks that may require communication. Also, the one with infection should stay in their room as much as possible and use a separate washroom to maintain proper hygiene.

Use Adequate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

You may be aware of the fact that personal protective equipment is crucial and one must never forget to use them in self-isolation as well.

People living with infected individuals should wash hands regularly and must wear gloves and masks of good quality that can prevent infection.

Also, the ones with infection should properly cover their face while they cough or sneeze to minimize the risk of contaminating the surroundings, which otherwise may increase the risk of infection.

Dispose of Masks and Gloves Properly

Disposing of masks and gloves with the right precaution and adequate measures is equally important. If someone accidentally comes in contact with the contaminated gloves or masks, it can be hazardous.

Make sure the garbage bag of the items used by the infected individual is separate from the regular garbage bags.

Restrict Visitors

Stay alone in your room and make sure no acquaintances visit your place while you are isolated at home.

It would be a good option to use video calls or voice calls to get in touch with your near and dear ones for any discussion or update regarding your overall health.

Don’t Share Household Items

One should be careful enough that they don’t share the household items and avoid touching the areas that are frequently touched by others as well. This will lessen the chance of contamination.

Sharing items like cosmetics, clothes, gadgets, etc. could be quite risky and may infect others. It is strictly recommended to sanitize areas and things that are commonly used.

Wash Laundry Properly

When it comes to laundry, one should be careful enough to ensure clothes are washed properly with a good detergent and a disinfectant.

This will eliminate any chance of the presence of the virus in clothes. Also, the clothes of the infected individual should be washed and rinsed separately to ensure proper safety.

The Crux

Self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days is essential to help society by minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.

Also, the one in isolation may feel lonely but it is crucial to stay mentally strong and to stay inside the room to help society in fighting with this pandemic.