My 76 y/o mother has a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (althought never needed treatment so far) and hypertension, which puts her into the risk group regarding the coronavirus threat. At this moment we are 4 persons living in the same household: my mother, me, my sibling and my 5 y/o nephew. At this time we are all isolated together but I am already starting to feel stressed and anxious about the times to come. The WHO is advertising that elders must be isolated at least until the end of the year but this is very difficult for us (my sibling can't afford a house for her to move with my nephew). We could try to do some social distancing even inside the house but this is also too difficult specially because my nephew is too young to understand that he cannot be around his grandma despite living in the same house. I have been with my mother since my father passed away and I always tried to do everything I can to provide her all the healthcare she needs, besides giving her much love and attention. However, I now feel this situation is completely out of my control and I have no clue what can I do to protect her. Any advice is more than welcome. Thank you.
Only one person should be going out for essentials. They should wear a mask when in retail stores. Gloves only protect the person who is wearing them. Once leaving the store they should be disgarded properly. There is a certain way to take them off. Gloves have touched everything in the store. Then use a wet one or sanitizer. When you get home, disgard the plastic bags and wipe everything down with a cloxox wipe. Put in other containers when possible. Then wipe the counter down where the food was and wash your hands. Make sure five year old washes his hands regularly. Do not let him hug Mom.
Mom is the one you should have always watched out for even before the virus. Her immune system is compromised. She should not be around anyone with even the signs of a cold. Its the 5yr old that may be the problem. He is not really old enough to understand.
So in the long run, if everyone goes back to work, school or Daycare, you are going to continue with precautions. If you have one bathroom, maybe before Mom uses it, wipe it down. Clorox wipes are great for this. Before she gets a shower, wipe it down. If u have 2 baths, one is for Mom only. Even the one she doesn't use, keep wiped down.
I don't think asking people to move out is a solution. It could be living alone with Mom, go out to get something, and bring it back.
All you can do is take the precautions.
Whoever is going out for supplies should wear a mask if possible. Consider a coat too. Leave shoes outside (or in a box in entrance hall). Wash hands & disinfect taps asap when getting home.
Inside your home is your safe bubble. Includes your backgarden or balcony if you have one. Inside shoes, inside clothes, your safe haven.
If you have a temperature checker, you could check everyone every morning. If high, that person needs to self-isolate in their room (or two rooms), separate bathroom if possible in case symptoms develop. Zone up the house, call the info line for instructions.
I was wiping (with disinfectant) the kitchen benches, doorknobs & light switches every day or so. Can't hurt?
I am currently in my car as exposed to someone who was exposed to someone with a temp... I plan to stay here or the garden until the swab is back. I'm wearing a mask when I enter the house for bathroom priviledges & to sleep - then back out here.
Just have everyone wash their hands before every meal & on waking. The worry is huge but have faith. Stay safe.
Can you make a telehealth appointment with her doctor to get specific instructions from them? They know her medical history best.
Best wishes to and your family.