Reducing the Risk of Spreading Chickenpox to Your Senior
Chickenpox is often thought of as a disease that impacts children, but as a family caregiver, it is extremely important that you understand that this infection can affect adults and it can be particularly dangerous among elderly adults who have immune systems that are not as strong and effective as those of younger people. This means that your senior is not only more vulnerable to catching chickenpox infection if they have not had it before but also to suffer the potentially serious complications that can occur as a result of it. Those with chickenpox can experience complications including pneumonia, dehydration, bacterial infections, infections of the soft tissues and joints, and even sepsis. For elderly adults, having had chickenpox also creates the risk of experiencing shingles, another potentially serious infection caused by the same virus.
Home Health Care Wilmette IL: Risk of Spreading Chickenpox
Taking the proper steps to reduce the risk of spreading chickenpox to your senior if they have not had this infection before is a critical aspect of guarding their health as they age in place.
-Use these tips help reduce the risk of spreading chickenpox to your senior:
-The most effective means of reducing the risk of chickenpox is vaccination. If your senior has not had this infection, talk to their doctor about whether getting vaccinated may be the right for them
-Keep in mind that you can spread the virus for approximately 48 hours before the rash ever appears, this means that if you have been near someone who has had the infection or you suspect that they are sick, it is important to use caution when near your parent
-You remain contagious until all of the blisters are totally crusted over, so it is important to avoid contact with your parent if you are still in this phase of the infection
-Consider respite home care to step in and care for your senior while you recover if you have been ill, or if you have been caring for an ill child
-Use an aggressive germ control approach, including frequent and thorough handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, and utilizing germ-killing cleaning products to disinfect surfaces
-Always use gloves when caring for someone who has chickenpox to avoid coming into contact with their rash
If you have been looking for a way to enhance your aging loved one’s quality of life and help them to maintain their health, safety, and independence as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elder care for them.
And elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they always have access to the assistance, care, and support that they need to manage their needs, challenges, and limitations in the ways that are right for them. Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can help your parent to pursue a lifestyle that is an independent, active, engaged, and fulfilling as possible throughout their later years. As their family caregiver, this can give you peace of mind and ease your stress, reassuring you that your parent is in good hands both when they are with you and when they are not.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Wilmette, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare In-Home Care and Home Health Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
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