Health & Fitness
Infection Control for the Caregiver
You must prepare your immune system to face as many threats to it, as you are likely to encounter.
2013 is here, but the flu virus is still going strong.
It can be very trying when a loved one falls ill. Fortunately they have you: the family caregiver. You will be the one to see to their needs and help them along to a speedy recovery. This is a role that you take very seriously; you know that you are the one who stands between your loved one and complete misery, or worse.
You have wonderful insurance, you stockpile bandages, antiseptic, and all manner of over the counter first aid; to guard against any possibility. Unfortunately, intent can only go so far. Preparing yourself is the key to preventing worse things from happening.
You cannot care for another unless you first; take care for yourself. Infection control for family caregivers is absolutely vital for every household. Immunizations and vaccinations must be administered and kept up to date for anyone who will be responsible for administering care to a sick or infirm loved one. If it is put off until someone becomes ill; then it is already too late to do any real good. If you yourself become sick then another member of the household will need to take your place, or even worse; someone from outside the home. As members of a larger community we all have a responsibility to keep an illness from spreading. If you have to call someone in then you are risking them and their loved ones as well.
There is no reason not to call your primary physician today and schedule an appointment to update your immunizations. Most insurance will cover the cost of your shot, if not I have found Costco to the most cost effective at $16.00. Do not waity, your family is counting on you.
Pneumonia and complications from influenza together represent the seventh leading cause of death for older adults. Besides protection against these viruses, properly vaccinated frail elders have a lower incidence of respiratory failure, kidney failure and heart attack. Call Heartwarming Care at (253) 460-1574 today to schedule a free in-home assessment, and we can help to encourage and facilitate proper vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.