Covid-19: Tips for Caregivers

We are all facing difficult times during the COVID-19 crisis but the elderly are the most vulnerable. As caregivers, we are on the front lines protecting our community’s loved ones so we must be extra vigilant to protect ourselves while providing home care. Here is some important advice from the Government of Canada to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Do not share any personal items with your client or loved one. This includes towels, bed linen, utensils, and electronic devices.
Use a separate bathroom if possible.

Caregivers who are at a higher risk of illness from COVID-19 should not care for someone with COVID-19. This includes elderly people, those with chronic medical conditions or a compromised immune system.
Wear disposable gloves when touching the client and soiled items or surfaces.
Do not re-use face masks or gloves.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Dry your hands with disposable paper towel. If not available, use a reusable towel and replace it when it becomes wet.
Avoid touching your face.

At least once a day, disinfect surfaces that are touched often such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, TV remotes, toilets, sinks, bedside tables, and lamps.
Electronic devices such as key boards, touch screens, and cell phones may be disinfected with alcohol prep wipes daily.
If disinfectants are not available, a diluted bleach solution can be prepared in a ratio of:
- 5 millilitres (mL) of (5%) bleach per 250 mL of water – OR –

Face masks
Disposable gloves
Disposable paper towel
Tissues
Hand soap
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
Dish soap
Hard surface disinfectant, if not available, concentrated (5%) liquid bleach and a separate container for dilution
Waste container with plastic liner