Several viruses are on the rise this year. RSV is one of them. For most adults, it doesn’t cause more than cold symptoms. For younger children and the elderly, it can be a tough virus to battle. Plus, COVID, the flu, and rhinovirus are also prevalent. Viruses can be harder for an older person to battle, especially if there are chronic health issues at play. What can you and home care assistance do to keep her safe?

Make Sure She’s Eating Right

If your mom’s body is filled with the nutrients it needs, it can help boost her immune response. Make sure she’s eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. A morning smoothie packed with berries, yogurt, and almond milk is a good start. Add a banana for sweetness if needed.

Stock the refrigerator with fresh vegetables that she can dip in yogurt dressing. Fresh fruit pieces are helpful. Melon is a great choice as it’s hydrating and has fiber, too.

After having a roast chicken or turkey, save the bones. Cook them all day, for at least 12 hours, in a slow cooker. Once cooled, strain it through cheesecloth and chill it overnight. Remove any fat and move the bone broth to freezer bags or containers.

Keep Others Away if They’ve Been Exposed

If you know there are grandkids, nieces/nephews, children, family friends, or siblings who’ve been exposed or have signs of illness, they need to stay away until they’re better. Family caregivers also need to stay home until they’re feeling better.

If your mom has to go out, make sure she wears a mask and washes her hands regularly. Hand sanitizer works in a pinch if she’s not near a sink. It’s not a guaranteed way to keep her from becoming sick, but it’s her best chance.

Support Her If She’s Sick

What if your mom does get RSV or another virus? Someone needs to make sure she has decongestants, fever/pain reducers, and cough drops. Make sure she has plenty of juice, fruits, and vegetables.

If your mom is dealing with the exhaustion that’s common with RSV and COVID< she needs to take it easy and sleep when her body wants to. She can have someone else walk the dog, clean her home, and do the laundry.

Learn More About Respite Care

As the family caregiver, what do you do if you’re sick? Your mom needs you, so you can’t just stop showing up for a couple of weeks. This is where respite care is so incredibly helpful. Talk to a home care assistance advisor about having temporary coverage from a professional caregiver.

Home care assistance helps your mom with housework, meals, transportation, and personal care. She also has someone to talk to each day. Ask about respite care coverage until you’re well again and guarantee your mom’s not alone for weeks.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in West Orange, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. (888) 664-1769

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Lorraine Arkaifie, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Founder & Director of Services at Adult Alternative Home Care

After completing nursing school in 2009, she worked as a Registered Nurse with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals and in their homes. She went on to complete advance nurse training with a focus in Geriatrics. As she gained more clinical experience, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams of establishing a home care organization that will provide excellent services to members of her community. With over ten years clinical knowledge, she has perfected the skills to establish rapport and support of the frail and elderly we serve. She loves what she does and will love to help you or your loved ones get the care and support they need.

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