What Does Social Distancing Really Mean?
Social distancing, self-quarantine, isolation, and shelter-in-place are all terms commonly used these days. You’ll hear them from politicians, newscasters, and friends & family. But, what do they mean? How are they different?
Here’s a breakdown of what these terms mean to you:
Social distancing: is when we purposely increase the space between people. Staying at least six feet away from other people can decrease your chances of catching Covid-19. Why six feet away? That is how far the coronavirus droplets can travel when someone near you coughs or sneezes. Social distancing will not stop the spread of coronavirus, but it can slow it down so fewer people will get sick all at once.
How do you maintain social distance during personal care with clients?
This is a tricky one. If you provide personal care for clients, you must get closer than 6ft. often.
Suggestions:
Wash your hands and put on goves before coming in contact with your client.
Wear a mask for close contact with clients, even if your don’t have symptoms. You can still carry and pass the virus to others even if you don’t feel sick.
Ask the client to wear a mask if possible, even if they don’t feel sick.
Limit talking while in close contact with clients.
Turn your head or walk away (if its safe to do so) to sneeze or cough.
Wash your hands after removing gloves.
Encourage your clients to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
More Terms To Know
Self Quarantine: this is when you voluntarily stay in your own home to stay away from others for a period of tie (such as 2 weeks) during the outbreak of a contagious disease or virus.
If you feel the need to self-quarantine, let your supervisor or Alternative Home Care office employee know.
Isolation: is required for anyone confirmed to have Covid-19. It is the the only way to keep people who are infected with the virus away form those who are uninfected. People can be isolated at home if their symptos are mile. Hospitals have special “isolation rooms” for people who need more care.
If you are asked to care for a client in isolation, be sure you understand how to use standard and transmission based precautions. You may contact an Alternative Home Care office employee to obtain instructions on how to use PPE (personal protective equipment) in isolation situations. Alternative Home Care will also provide all necessary equipment needed.
Shelter-in-place: Most major cities across the US have issued “shelter in place” or “stay at home” orders. This means residents in those areas must remain at home unless they have an essential reason for going out. Essential reasons are typically for food, medicine, or work.
How To Minimize Isolation During Social Distancing.
NOT EVERYONE IS SO LUCKY.
While we complain, joke, comment, and zoom, we must remember that there are real people, many of whom are “at-risk seniors” living at home all alone with no one to talk to, unable to get fresh air, and lacking the technology to see a familiar face now and then.
While the virus itself will take many lives, the social isolation of this quarantine will sadly lead to much more collateral loss. These tragic losses will go uncounted as “Covid-19 deaths”. However, they are distincly related.
Studies have shown that “loneliness” increases the likelihood of senior deaths by 26%.
How can you help? Here are 5 tips you can use to help ward off the loneliness your clients may experience during this difficult time:
Continue with regular visits.
is safe to do so (and clients often request it). Make sure you and your clients have the PPE and infection control knowledge to keep both of you safe.
Be more social.
Socialize from a safe distance. Try to create more friendly conversations before and after tasks are completed.
Teach seniors how to use technology.
Statistics continue to show that more older adults have access to smartphones, tablets, and the internet. However, the problem isn’t owning the devies, its using them. Take time to teach clients how to use their devices for video chats, email, and texting. Using these devices will allow our clients to contact with friends and family.
Do front porch visits.
For clients who refuse services at this time, offer “no contact” front porch visits. This is when people visit and talk with seniors from a a safe distance.
Check-in everyday.
On your days off or days away from your client, feel free to give them a call to check-in. This has proven to remove anxiety and loneliness from clients.