Seniors and their caregivers are especially susceptible to the flu. While most caregivers who are sick usually keep their elderly loved ones at home, a flu season that is especially severe can create challenges for everyone involved in senior caregiving.
The worry about getting the flu coupled with the everyday stress of caring for an elderly, can place one in an increased risk of developing an illness.
Studies have shown that taking care of an elderly loved one can negatively affect the caregiver’s health.
When a caregiver develops health issues, the elderly person’s health often suffers as well, especially for those who are caring for someone with a progressive disease like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases.
The flu season is especially difficult to contend with and everyone needs to be particularly vigilant during these times.
Here are some tips on what a caregiver can do:
- Get a flu shot.
- Get enough sleep or rest so you’re less susceptible to illness.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Consider adult day services or respite care for your loved one.
- Sneeze and cough into a piece of tissue or onto your shirt sleeve so droplets do not spread to others nearby.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Disinfect surfaces in your home or wherever there are elderly people.
Caregivers should take special note to care for themselves. Caregiving is tough enough as it, but being sick and trying to care for others is even more difficult
In fact, when a caregiver is sick, they should refrain for caring for the sick and the elderly.
The Health Ministry provides the influenza vaccine at its health facilities as a preventive measure for treating patients in high-risk groups including children and the elderly.
But speak to your doctor first before making any decisions.
Andrew Mastrandonas is an elderly care/home care and health tech executive based in Kuala Lumpur. For additional information on finding a caregiver or other care services at home see https://hello.pillarcare.com/ or call/text/WhatsApp the Care Hotline: +60 17-805 9677 for immediate assistance.