Quarantining for Someone in Need of Care

Quarantining when sick is among the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep others safe. When a person who requires in-home care must quarantine, however, this situation becomes more complicated. How can you ensure a loved one will be safe, secure, and comfortable during this time? Here, Premier Personal Care, Inc. takes a closer look at how individuals who receive in-home care services can protect their health and their loved ones while quarantining.

Make a Plan

Discuss the possibility of quarantining with the individual and other family members and friends who may be called upon to assist. This way you can determine who can drop off groceries, coordinate with medical professionals, and provide emergency support if needed.

It’s also a good idea to document all of the individual’s medical information, such as the following:

• Physician’s names and phone numbers
• Medications taken
• Medicare or other insurance information
• Any healthcare directives

Finally, schedule regular check-ins. Calling daily makes it easier to know when additional support is needed or a loved one may no longer be able to remain at home.

Watch for Symptoms

Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 should monitor symptoms, such as a fever over 100.4°, cough, chills, and the like. Seniors, individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, and immunocompromised people must be especially vigilant. Some symptoms of COVID-19 require immediate attention, including:

• Struggling to breathe
• Confusion not related to cognitive decline
• Trouble rousing from sleep or staying awake
• Chest pain or pressure
• Blue or pale lips, nail beds, or skin

If a loved one reports any of these symptoms, they should call 9-1-1 or have a friend or family member call on their behalf right away.

Stock Up on Food, Water, Medications, and More

Having supplies on hand eliminates some of the worries of quarantine and can help minimize contact. Be sure to stock your loved one’s home with the following:

• Nonperishable food items that are easy to prepare
• Medical supplies, including incontinence supplies, diabetic test strips, wound care items, oxygen, and more
• Prescription drugs (ask your loved one’s physician about ordering an additional two-week to one-month supply to keep on hand)

You can also set up an account with a grocery delivery service. These services allow you or your loved one to create a shopping list and have food, personal care supplies, and more dropped off with no need for in-person contact.

Limit In-Person Contact and Use PPE

Ideally, you will have no contact with your loved one during quarantine. However, this isn’t always realistic for individuals who require in-home care services. Limit the number of people who will enter the quarantining person’s home to avoid spreading COVID-19 or introducing it during their isolation.

It’s also wise to keep a supply of masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) at your loved one’s home. That way, you can minimize the risk of infection when close contact is required for bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, and more.

Help Your Loved One Safely Navigate Quarantine

Quarantining can be stressful, but with support and encouragement, your loved one can keep others safe from COVID-19. This period may also reveal a need for additional support for seniors and disabled loved ones living independently. If so, contact Premier Personal Care, Inc. to learn more about our senior care and other services. Serving residents of Bucks County in Pennsylvania, our compassionate, experienced caregivers provide the assistance required for sVafe, comfortable independent living.