by June Duncan, Guest Writer
Coronavirus has changed the way we do a lot of things. From how we grocery shop to how we socialize, there’s no aspect of life that hasn’t been touched by the pandemic. Coronavirus has also changed the way families make long-term care decisions. With long-term care facilities at high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks, many families are wondering if they should pull loved ones from nursing homes or cancel an impending move to assisted living.
While it’s important to take precautions, there’s no reason to abandon your long-term care plans. Here’s how you can adapt your plans to the pandemic while still getting the caregiving help your senior loved one needs.
If your loved one lives in a long-term care facility
With long-term facilities restricting visitors, many families are opting to bring their senior relatives home instead. However, pulling your loved one from a nursing home could do more harm than good.
For one, most seniors are in long-term care because they have needs that can’t be met at home. The difficulties that existed before may feel amplified with the stress brought on by the pandemic. Seniors could also face greater exposure at home than in a long-term care facility. That’s especially true if any household members are essential workers still reporting to a job.
Rather than bring seniors home, families should verify that care facilities are taking the CDC’s recommended COVID-19 precautions. Nursing homes should be eliminating visitation, screening staff and residents for illness, maintaining adequate staffing, and requiring personal protective equipment.
If you’re planning a move to assisted living
What if you were getting ready for long-term care when the pandemic struck? Depending on how coronavirus has affected your life, you may want to keep a loved one at home longer or expedite the move to assisted living.
For seniors living with essential workers who can’t self-isolate, moving to assisted living could be a chance for a safer living environment during the pandemic. If you’re looking into selling a senior’s home as a quick way to fund assisted living, keep in mind that the housing market isn’t immune from the effects of the pandemic. Forbes points out there is just as much work involved with decluttering, cleaning and staging, and now you have the added factors of planning for sanitizing and virtual tours.
Depending on how coronavirus is affecting your local market, it may influence your decision to sell. Average homes in Ogden, for instance, are currently going pending in around 26 days, while hot listings only sit for 6. A little research can tell you a lot about how well that can fit with your plans.
If your household has low risk of exposure, on the other hand, delaying the assisted living move may be a wise choice. In-home care can help fill the gaps in your loved one’s care needs until you’re confident it’s safe to relocate to assisted living.
If you’re caregiving at home
Speaking of in-home care: This can be a great resource for family caregivers who are finding themselves overwhelmed during the pandemic. If you’re struggling to provide the care a senior family member needs while also homeschooling kids and telecommuting, consider hiring a home-based caregiver.
When hiring home-based care during COVID-19, look to private caregivers rather than agencies. When you hire a private caregiver, you work with the same provider every time. That way, you minimize the potential for coronavirus transmission.
If keeping seniors home, it’s imperative that families take steps to keep senior relatives healthy. Everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Frequently-touched surfaces like light switches, cellphones, and pillboxes should also be sanitized regularly.
The importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19 to elderly loved ones can’t be overstated. However, that doesn’t have to mean abandoning your plans of getting help with a senior’s care. With careful planning, families can find a long-term care solution that keeps everyone happy, healthy, and safe.