What to Do if You Take Care of Seniors Adults and Have a Cold
Congested? Runny nose? Sneezing? Perhaps a cold is coming on. Many caregivers worry that there won't be anyone to step up and help care for their senior loved ones if they get sick. Those concerns often cause caregivers stress, which can increase the likelihood of getting sick. Here are some tips for caregivers to keep in mind so they can take care of themselves and the seniors who depend on them.
Practice Self-Care
Caregivers must permit themselves to prioritize their well-being. They can accomplish this by eating well, resting, and maintaining stress-relieving hobbies.
Keep Easy-To-Prepare, Healthy Meals on Hand
When feeling under the weather, many people lose their appetites or the motivation to cook a healthy meal. Caregivers who feel a cold should stock up on healthy snacks and ingredients for wholesome but easy-to-prepare meals. Soups, salad mixes, and hot breakfast cereals are great to have on hand, and instant cookers can greatly simplify and speed up meal preparation—handy for hearty soups and stews that can be accessible all day long.
A caregiver can also order in or enlist a friend or family member to bring prepared meals. It helps to have a ready-made list of favorite foods (and foods that are no-nos) to give to those who want to help.
Practice Good Sleep Habits
Caregivers with colds should maintain good sleep hygiene. That's not easy when looking after someone whose schedule is different or unpredictable. Healthy sleep habits reduce stress and help protect your immune system.
Pay Attention to the Body’s Signs of Distress
Caregivers should never ignore the signs of overexertion. They should take breaks when they need them and contact their doctor if they feel it's necessary. A caregiver's medical care is just as important as a senior's, and caregivers often neglect making appointments for themselves to have more time to look after their loved ones.
Protect Loved Ones
If caregivers feel a cold coming on but cannot avoid interacting with a senior loved one, they must follow certain steps to reduce the chances of spreading the illness.
- Wear a mask, and avoid touching it.
- Thoroughly wash hands before and after interacting with a senior loved one, preparing their food, or handling their belongings.
- Frequently wipe down surfaces.
Caregivers should encourage senior loved ones to wash their hands often and continue taking protective measures to avoid a cold.
Call for Backup
Sometimes it's best to take a few days off or at least scale back caretaking duties while recovering from a cold. For further assistance, call on Senior Helpers of Asheville to step in while recovering. Our care professionals service Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, Fletcher, and surrounding areas. We offer various in-home caregiving services for short or long-term care, and we can even help with day-to-day tasks like light housework or transportation. Caregivers deserve help when it's time for them to look after themselves, and that's why we're here. Contact us today for more information about our in-home care services!