Now that\nwe\u2019re a few months into the global pandemic that is Covid-19, life seems to be\nstarting to settle back into a new normal. Unfortunately, that also means that\nmany people are becoming more and more lax with keeping up the recommendations\nnecessary to limit further spread of the virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it\ncomes to assisted living facilities, the need to remember proper and effective\nways to keep the virus away from fellow residents is even more important!\nHowever, we know that it can seem overwhelming to try to remember them all.\nHere are some of the top tips to continue to limit the spread of Covid-19 in\nyour facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean Your Phone<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While a\nlot of focus is (rightfully) on hand washing and wearing masks, something that\nisn\u2019t discussed as often is the importance of cleaning your phone. Our hands\ntouch our phones hundreds of times a day, and those phones can hold onto and\nspread all kinds of germs, including Covid-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An easy\nway to clean your phone is with simple, easy to find alcohol wipes, as long as\nthey contain at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Just use one to wipe down your\nphone and your case a few times a day, and you\u2019ll reduce the risk to both\nyourself and your fellow residents substantially! And remember, after touching\nyour phone (or letting anyone else touch it), make sure to wash your hands too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limit Social Activities<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With some\ncommunities loosening their restrictions, it can be exciting to consider\ngetting back to your normal social schedule! These last few months have\ndefinitely been trying for people who love attending activities and having\nvisitors, but try to remember that it\u2019s for a good reason. Every social\nactivity increases the risk of exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\nneed to have people over, make sure to follow social distancing guidelines. Try\nto stay at least six feet away at all times, and minimize physical contact like\nhugging or handshakes. Masks should also be worn at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Self Monitor For Symptoms<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While\nmany assisted living facilities are performing their own health checks for\nCovid-19 symptoms, knowing them yourself and self monitoring is an additional\nway you can help limit its spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take your\ntemperature once a day, at least. While fever isn\u2019t always a symptom, any\nunexplained fever should be reported immediately. Some people may have a fever\nwithout any other symptoms, but will still be symptomatic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory\nsymptoms are usually one of the first signs as well. A sudden cough or\ndifficulty breathing is nothing to brush off. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has the\nability to go from bad to worse very quickly. If you develop any respiratory\nsymptoms, report them to the staff right away and self isolate until further\nnotice. This is to protect you and your fellow residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other\nsymptoms to watch out for may include fatigue, muscle aches, and a loss of\nappetite. While many symptoms are likely due to other, non Covid-19 causes,\nthey should all be reported immediately to be extra precautious. Think of it as\nsaving a life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue To Wash Your Hands<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Handwashing\ncontinues to be one of the most important, if not the most important, tools in\nthe fight against the spread of Covid-19. It is also one of the most\nunderutilized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing\nthe proper handwashing technique is key to removing all potential germs,\nespecially prior to cooking, eating, etc. Wet your hands, apply soap, and rub\nvigorously for at least 20 – 30 seconds. A good way to remember this is to sing\n\u201cHappy Birthday\u201d to yourself twice. Not only is it a fun distraction, it\u2019s also\nthe perfect amount of time recommended by the CDC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If\nhandwashing isn\u2019t an immediate option, hand sanitizer is an acceptable\nsubstitute. It needs to contain more than 60% alcohol to be effective, however,\nand is not a replacement for full handwashing. Make sure to rub your hands\ntogether thoroughly until all the sanitizer is dissolved, getting under your\nfingernails as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By\nremembering just a few, important tips, you can limit potential Covid-19\nexposure to both yourself and your fellow residents. While the current times\nmay feel stressful, knowing how to best fight back can be empowering and keep\neveryone safe and sound. Hang in there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"