On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order to announce the opening of additional businesses and activities in Texas. All newly opened businesses and services are subject to the recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by DSHS.
The big question for senior citizens, their family members, and home health workers is:
What does reopening the economy in Austin, Texas look like after COVID-19 when it comes to caring for seniors or the elderly?
*Comfort Keepers of Austin, Texas is prepared to safely assist your senior loved one in all of the following guidelines so they can get back to their new normal, feel supported, and have the resources they require to stay healthy and safe. Call: (512) 766-0105
The State of Texas has issued “special guidance” for Seniors over the age of 65 in a document dated May 8, 2020, and recommends that seniors continue to stay at home whenever possible following all proper CDC guidelines.
The document explains that “People 65 years or older, especially people 65 years or older with medical issues like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system, are at a higher risk for getting very sick or dying from COVID‑19. Every Texan is part of the solution. Strictly adhere to all CDC guidelines, as well as all recommendations in this document.”
They go on to highlight a 3-tiered plan for keeping seniors safe during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic:
1. STAY HOME IF YOU CAN
Minimize face-to-face contact with others. Avoid young children.
If someone is assisting you, you and your family members or caretaker should wear cloth face masks. Remember a family member or caretaker can give you the virus even if they don’t appear to have symptoms.
Try grocery or restaurant delivery, mail-order prescriptions, and phone appointments with your doctor. Call 2-1-1 if you need help with essentials.
Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who can deliver essential items.
2. HELP SAVE LIVES
If you must go out, wear a cloth face mask, and stay six feet away from others.
Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, or eating utensils with others.
If you have mild symptoms (difficulty breathing, or a rapidly worsening cough or fever), call your healthcare provider. If symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1.
3. CHECK-IN
Check-in regularly with neighbors, friends, and family by calling, texting, emailing, video chatting, or even writing letters.
Walking, gardening, digital books, games, and online religious services are great ways to stay active and connected.
Our caregivers are trained in infectious disease control and safe senior care, reducing the risk of community-wide exposure to COVID-19.
We can provide light housekeeping and make sure that surfaces are disinfected to keep seniors healthy and prepare meals to make sure they are nourished. Our staff follows hygiene procedures directed by the CDC, including vigorous and frequent handwashing with soap and water, use of sanitizing gels (with 70% alcohol level or higher), use of disinfectant wipes to frequently wipe down surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, disposal of any items that may have virus or bacteria, and much more.
Comfort Keepers is all about Elevating the Human Spirit for clients, caregivers, and families. That has never been more important than now. During this time of social distancing, seniors may be socially isolated, in addition to being physically isolated. Comfort Keepers works to help seniors fight depression and loneliness, especially while remaining at home. We help keep them active, optimistic, and socially engaged during this period. A daily dose of joy is sorely needed.
Contact the team at Comfort Keepers West Austin for a free consultation or in-home assessment.
Call: (512) 766-0105
Looking for a career as an in-home caregiver? We’re hiring! Learn more, here.
