Tips for Avoiding Sickness This Fall

As the Fall season arrives and cooler temperatures make their appearance, we start to hear about sicknesses such as the Flu or other more minor illnesses like coughs and colds.

No one ever wants to get sick, but for seniors with complex medical issues, it’s even more important to be sure that they remain healthy and avoid germs that can cause sickness as much as possible.

For seniors that have mobility issues preventing them from leaving the house, avoiding outside germs is a bit easier than it is for seniors who are more socially adept and are out and about and interacting with lots of people in crowded places.

 

Wash Hands

Caregiver Lake Forest, IL: Avoiding Sickness This Fall

This may sound obvious, but its importance cannot be overstated. Everyone meeting your senior parent needs to thoroughly wash their hands multiple times a day. This goes for your senior as well. Your senior’s caregivers can offer supervision and instruction if you find that they are not washing their hands sufficiently.

Being sure that everyone is properly washing their hands after using the restroom, after entering the house, and before preparing any meals will help to reduce your senior’s chances of getting sick this Fall.

 

Screen Guests

Most seniors and their caregivers appreciate visitors who can help break up the monotony of daily life at home. However, ’tis the season of sickness so it’s more important than ever to make sure all visitors are healthy before coming to spend time with your senior parent.

If someone really wants to visit but is sick or has the remnants of a cold or virus, encourage them to reschedule, even if they don’t think they are contagious any longer. Recommend that they make a phone call to your loved one until they are well instead.

 

Be Proactive

There are ways that you and your senior parent can be proactive by boosting your immunity before anyone gets sick, by taking supplements known to help and by eating nutritious foods high in vitamins and nutrients.

If your senior takes any medications or you are unsure which vitamins or supplements will be safe or helpful for them, talk to their doctor to see what is acceptable.

Look for food’s rich in color like leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables. Avoid junk food and sugar and encourage a healthy diet to keep their immune system in good working order this season.

 

Consider the Flu Shot.

Talk to your senior’s health care professional about getting a flu shot which may help prevent them from coming down with the flu virus which can be dangerous and even deadly for some seniors with underlying health issues or diseases. Ask your senior’s caregivers if they have received their flu shots as well, as they will be in close quarters with your senior parent.

There are many ways that you can prepare for the start of the sick season, so be sure to start taking action now by implementing the tips above!

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering a Caregiver in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro