Protecting Loved Ones From COVID-19

As the situation with coronavirus continues to evolve, it’s important that we do all we can to ensure the health and safety of our community and our loved ones. Remember, COVID-19 isn’t picky about who it infects. That being said, here are some ways you can help greatly minimize the risk of infection.

Practice Social Distancing

We’ve heard this term a lot recently, but what does it mean? Social distancing is just that: Keeping a safe distance from others. We should all be making an effort to keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet or more from friends and non-immediate family members. At this point, it’s important to assume that everyone could potentially have the virus, even if they’re not showing symptoms. We combat this by minimizing contact with people and shared spaces as much as possible.

We realize that this is difficult, especially for those of us that rely on others to help us. CareLink has continued its Meal on Wheels program but has begun providing a week’s worth of frozen meals, in lieu of hot ones. Unfortunately, our volunteer routes have been suspended. However, those clients affected are receiving daily check-ins via phone to keep spirits high and combat loneliness.

We encourage friends and family to utilize one of the many free services available like Zoom or Facetime to help us stay connected during these uncertain times.

Practice Good Hygiene

A simple, but often forgotten way to prevent the spread of bacteria and illness is by simply practicing good hygiene. Washing your hands with anti-bacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

While you should avoid being in public when you can, make sure you change and wash your clothes when you return from being out.  This is especially important for those in close contact with at-risk individuals like seniors, or those with a chronic condition.  If possible, take a shower with soap before interacting with other members of your household.  The virus can live on surfaces and outside of the body for several days, so it’s important to be vigilant.

Sanitize Everything

At CareLink, we take every precaution to keep our clients safe.  However, we still recommend that any supplies our team members deliver or bring into our patient homes are cleansed with anti-bacterial wipes, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water.

During a time when we’re relying on deliveries and delivery drivers more than ever, it’s important to remember to practice safe cleaning techniques.  Sanitize packages, mail, food containers, and masks.

Although not a substitute for handwashing, we advise purchasing a bottle of hand sanitizer and using it when clean running water or soap may not be available.  If you’re unable to find hand sanitizer, you can make it using the following steps.

1. Make sure your prep space is clean.
2. Wash your hands before handling your supplies.
3. Mix the following ingredients.  Note that it’s important to be fairly precise with your mixture to avoid causing potential skin irritation:
   • 2 parts isopropyl alcohol
   • 1 part aloe vera gel
   • A few drops of your favorite essential oil
4. Stir with a spoon or a whisk until well combined.

In addition to sanitizing your hands and other items coming into the household, make an effort not to touch your face, or others, especially if you’re not sure your hands are clean.

Make a Plan

Making a plan for your household is a great way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Designate doors used for entering and exiting the house.
• Develop a routine to sanitize items and yourself after coming in contact with others.
• Consider how to isolate yourself or a sick family member.
• Ensure that frequently taken medications have been recently filled to avoid having to visit the pharmacy.
• Plan for an emergency.