Words of Comfort During a Challenging Time
Eldementals, LLC has processes and systems in place to continue providing exceptional care and service to our clients as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have an increasing impact throughout our communities. We are doing most of our work remotely at this time and will continue to do so until this public health situation clears.
For clients who critically need to meet face to face, we can setup a virtual meeting and link to utilize video and screen sharing. We have always provided telehealth capability and feel that it is safest mechanism at this time for our high risk population clients.
Remember these guidelines below:
1. Handwashing is always the gold standard and the best way to prevent the spread of
illness! Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom, being out and about, and after coughing, sneezing, or using a tissue. Hand washing is always best, but if you cannot wash use an alcohol based sanitizer. The higher the percent of alcohol in the product the better!
2. Unfortunately we know that people can be contagious when not symptomatic so staying in is the best way to protect yourself and others at this time if able. If you become ill obviously stay home, contact your physician promptly, and isolate yourself from others! Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then promptly throw away. Use an alcohol based sanitizer or wash hands after tissue use.
3. If you are in a high risk group stay home and limit visitors! I cannot stress this enough!!!
4. Stay clean and change your cloths daily. Hygiene is important.
5. Keep you home environment clean and without clutter. Try using an antibacterial cleaning agent. Remember to disinfect commonly used items daily such as mobile phones, key fobs, brief cases, purses, door knobs, and computer key boards and laptops.
6. Maintain your health through a well balanced diet, good hydration, and a daily exercise plan with input from your healthcare providers. Ensure that you are up to date on all preventative testing and services. Maintaining and being at your optimum level of health is one of the best ways to limit your risk of additional issues, injuries, and health challenges. Along the same lines stay ahead of the game in case of emergencies and limits of supplies for emergencies by stocking at least a month’s supply of medications in the home and commonly used over the counter medications. it is also a good idea to have the same amount of gloves, a small box of disposable or washable masks, and disinfecting wipes hand! As we all know it is now very hard to get masks and for most vendors they are backordered until the end of March.
7. Have a solid, holistic plan in place for the future. If you have not done a long term care plan reach out for guidance as this will give you peace of mind. Everyone should have a good elder care attorney, trusted financial manager, and an RN care manager in place by age 65 (earlier if chronic conditions).
8. If an appointment can wait then postpone it! Ask you clinicians about video calling and Telehealth services. Telehealth tech lets physicians and care managers confer with patients who may not be able to leave their homes.
9. If your loved one is in a care community they may need to take some extra precautions. The care community will likely limit unnecessary visitors, stops trips, and even scale down activities for a period of time. They need to also do an internal quarantine to resident apartments or rooms if cases emerge within the care community.
10. Overall try to appreciate the little things. Just because we need to isolate and contain to avoid spread and exposure does not mean we have to miserable! You can enjoy a good book or book on tape, catch up on some fun programs, do some organizing that you have been putting off, take time to make an elaborate meal you generally would not make if able, catch up on phone calls to friends and family, go outside (avoid crowds or busy areas when doing so), and take a walk in nature in good weather. Sit in a park, or other not crowded outdoor space and relax. Try something new at home like yoga, seated chair exercise, painting, drawing, etc. Take the time to focus on something that enriches you rather than something that worries you or makes you feel confined.
11. Protect your mental health. Remember worry does nothing positive. Take each day as it comes and do not let problems pile up! Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, and even meditation to music or guided imagery to reduce stress and to use in times of difficulty. Take control of what you can and make every effort to feel safe and secure in your situation. Acknowledge the positives as they are still there. Stay connected in a way that keeps you feeling safe and supported.
Remember that everything in life is cyclical and that these recent public health challenges and financial impacts will eventual resolve!
Please stay in the know through our Facebook Page and website along with CDC guidelines as they evolve. Please take care during this challenging time. We are here to guide and support along the way!