As COVID-19 restrictions relax, we can once again enjoy the fun of gathering with friends and family. But we know that the pandemic hasn’t gone away, and we still need to be vigilant to keep our loved ones healthy, especially high-risk groups like seniors. Here, Serenity Home Care offers some COVID-19 reopening safety precautions you can use as case numbers fluctuate.
Ways to Minimize Your Risk
Whether you’re caring for a senior family member or you’re an older adult yourself, there are lots of things you can do to take care of yourself and others, including:
Stay Home if You Feel Sick
This might seem obvious, but if you aren’t feeling well, stay home. We’re all excited to be able to get together with friends and family more often, but it’s still important to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If you feel sick, don’t run the risk of infecting others, even if it’s just a cold. Stay home and reschedule your plans, or consider a virtual gathering.
Get a Vaccine Booster
All adults age 65 and older are eligible for a vaccine booster shot in Oregon. A booster can give you additional protection against COVID-19 transmission, helping to keep you and the people around you safe. Booster shots are available at clinics, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies. If you’re not sure where to get a booster shot or which type of shot you should get, contact your primary care provider.
Get a Flu Shot
Consider getting a flu shot at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy to stay as healthy as possible this season. Older adults are particularly at risk of contracting influenza, especially during the winter months, and it might even require hospitalization.
Get Tested if Needed
COVID-19 tests are widely available, and many pharmacies offer drive-through testing or test kits that you can use at home. If you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, consider getting tested. It’ll give you peace of mind, especially if you’re planning to spend time with your friends or family members.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Many people now feel comfortable gathering indoors in small groups. But if you prefer to stick to outdoor activities, try visiting a local park, going for a hike, or visiting a farmers market. By meeting with your loved ones outdoors, you can help to reduce everyone’s risk and assuage any worry you or others may be feeling about possible exposure.
Get the Support You Need to Stay Safe
With a few common-sense measures, you can continue to spend quality time with friends and family, while helping keep yourself and your community safe. If you or a loved one needs senior home care in Clackamas, Multnomah, or Washington Counties in Oregon, you can count on Serenity Home Care. Our caregivers take weekly COVID tests and use PPE, and we can help clients minimize their COVID-19 travel risk by running errands for them, doing their grocery shopping, and coordinating their medical appointments. For more information about our services, contact us today.
