States may be opening up some businesses again and relaxing stay-at-home orders. That doesn’t mean coronavirus is over. The risk is still real and present in many areas. Some areas are seeing a second wave as more people leave their homes. 
 
It’s not time to let down your guard and return to normal activities. Use these tips to keep your parents and yourself healthy. 
 
Stay Home as Much as You Can

Even as businesses reopen, it may not be in your parents’ best interest to go out. Going out to restaurants to eat may be allowed, but that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea. They may see stores are open, but others may still have the virus.  

Your parents should order curbside if they need things at stores or restaurants. They need to avoid crowded areas. They need to wear a mask when they are shopping. It’s safest for them to keep taking precautions to say safe. 
 
Keep a Safe Distance 

Your parents should stay six feet from others. To make sure they’re properly spacing themselves from others, they should imagine placing two shopping carts between them and the other person. 
 
There are times when they can’t keep that type of distance. When paying for items, they need to be closer than six feet. Choosing stores and businesses that have plexiglass screens helps. Wearing a mask also helps. 
 
Follow Hygiene Recommendations 
 
It’s recommended that you wash hands after touching something others have touched. If your parents are out and touch a doorknob, railing, light switch, keypad, or elevator buttons, they need to wash their hands. If they cannot get to a sink, they need to carry and use hand sanitizer. 
 
When washing their hands, they need to lather the entire hand, including under the fingernails, for a full 20 seconds. After rinsing the soap away, they should let their hands air dry. Using a shared towel is not good. If they must dry their hands, a paper towel is best. 
 
If they’re using hand sanitizer, use a liberal amount and make sure the gel is spread evenly over both sides of the hands and between the fingers. Get the hand sanitizer under the nails, too. 
 
Follow Advice for Self-Quarantines if You May Have Been Exposed 
 
Caregivers are an important part of the fight against COVID-19. If you’re sick or might have been exposed to the virus, you should not go to your parents’ house. 
 
You need to quarantine for 14 days and make sure you don’t accidentally bring the virus into their home. Call a home care agency to discuss having caregivers help them with daily tasks while you self-isolate.

 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Altadena, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890