Shelter-In Place Tips for Older Family Members

As a result of the virus crisis, Americans are being told to shelter-in-place. For the elderly or those with health issues, this can be a challenge. Your older family members may have doctor visits to maintain chronic health issues. Plus, they may have the desire, like the rest of us, to get out. They may suffer fear and depression, like the rest of us, knowing it might not be safe to leave their home.

Those who are older are more likely to become infected and suffer more symptoms than other people. We must take action to protect family members who are 65+ or suffer from chronic health issues.

Know the Facts

First, understand the facts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is not an airborne virus. The coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets that are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If you touch an infected person or object and then touch your face, you can infect yourself. The process of touching your face with your hands is the primary way to get infected, which is why experts tell us to wash our hands and not touch your face.

Here are some tips to help keep your older family members healthy … and, for that matter, yourself. Several tips will help everyone stay healthy. While this is getting attention due to the COVID-19 outbreak, these tips are helping for all viral infections.

Keep Surfaces Disinfected

Perhaps the most crucial tip, after washing your hands and not touching your face, is keeping your home area clean.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) tells us to keep home surfaces that are often-touched clean. Frequently touched surfaces are a target since so many hands, some of which could have the virus on them, could leave the virus on the surface. A healthy person who touches that same area and then touches their face then can become infected.

Clean surfaces with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants appropriate for the surface you are cleaning. Here are some areas to target:

• Cabinet and Drawer Handles
• Countertops
• Desks
• Doorknobs
• Faucets
• Light switches
• Sinks
• Tables
• Toilets

There are other help hints, read them by clicking here.

Expect the Unexpected

The unexpected events surrounding COVID-19 and the economic turmoil that has followed is an excellent example of why planning for the financial costs and burdens of aging is essential. As we get older we suffer more chronic health issues. What is not unexpected is that longevity brings a much greater risk of needing long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the impact of aging.

When you have an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy you will enjoy guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access to quality care either in your home or in a facility. Plus, your family will have the time to be family and not have to deal with the stress otherwise placed on those you love.

Start your research before you retire, ideally in your 40s or 50s, when you enjoy good health. LTC NEWS offers many resources for your research.

Start with the LTC NEWS cost of care calculator. You will discover both the current and future costs of extended care services where you live. You will also see if your state is one of the 45 that offer partnership policies that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection. Use the calculator now by clicking here.

Be sure to work with an experienced and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Since premiums can vary dramatically between companies for the same benefits, a specialist will help find you the best coverage at the best value. Find a trusted specialist by clicking here.