I Think My Elderly Loved One Was Exposed to COVID-19. What Should I Do?
April 28, 2020
The majority of people who do contract the coronavirus won’t have severe symptoms. However, this isn’t always the case. This is why so many people are worried about what to do if they think themselves or their loved one was exposed to COVID-19. If you think that your elderly loved one was exposed to the coronavirus, there are some things that you should know.
How does my elderly loved one get tested?
If you believe that your elderly loved one has been exposed to COVID-19, you should have their home care provider call the primary care doctor and ask for instructions. If your elderly loved one’s symptoms are not severe, the doctor may just advise them to quarantine at home for a certain period of time, unless symptoms worsen. If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may have your loved one go in to get tested. The doctor will let the home care provider know where to take your loved one for the testing.
Should my elderly loved one go to the ER?
Many people are heading straight to the ER if they think themselves or a loved one have been exposed to the coronavirus. Make sure that you don’t have the home care provider take your elderly loved one directly to the ER. Many hospitals are already overwhelmed and full due to the coronavirus. It is important that you or your loved one’s home care provider call their doctor first. Not everyone who has the coronavirus symptoms needs to go to the emergency room. The doctor can advise on what should happen from there.
When should my elderly loved one get medical care?
As previously mentioned, someone should talk to your elderly loved one’s doctor if they are experiencing symptoms or if you think they have been exposed to COVID-19. The doctor will let you know what symptoms to watch out for that might require medical care. In the meantime, if your elderly loved one does experience moderate to severe shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or increased confusion, you can call the doctor or take them to the emergency room.
If you think that your elderly loved one was exposed to COVID-19, hopefully this information helps you to care for them. If they do already have the symptoms of COVID-19 and their doctor suggests they quarantine at home, the doctor can let you know of what to do to best take care of them while keeping the care provider safe, as well.
If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care or Placement Services in San Jose, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990
Sources
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDexposed.pdf