Dos for caregivers

Wash hands before helping the older individual

Cover nose and mouth adequately using a tissue or cloth while attending on the senior citizen

Clean surfaces of walking cane, walker, wheelchair, bedpan, etc, which are frequently used

Assist the older individual and help her/him in washing hands

Ensure proper food and water intake by senior citizens

Monitor his/her health

Don'ts for caregivers

Do not go near senior citizens if you are suffering from fever, cough, breathing difficulty

Do not keep senior citizens completely bed-bound

Avoid touching senior citizens without washing hands

Senior citizens should

Communicate with relatives at home, with neighbours, provided social distancing is followed and gathering of people is avoided

Rediscover old hobbies like painting, listening to music, reading

Make sure to access and believe only reliable sources of information

Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs to stave off loneliness or boredom

Contact the helpline in case of change in mental status, such as excessively drowsy during the day, not responding, speaking inappropriately, onset of inability to recognise relatives which he/she could do before

Senior citizens should not

Isolate themselves, nor confine themselves to a room

Follow any sensational news or social media posts

Share any unverified news or information

Eating right

Hygiene

NEW DELHI: Citizens aged above 60 years and especially those with medical conditions are particularly susceptible to infections during Covid times. The ministry of social justice and empowerment, along with the ministry of health and family welfare and department of geriatric medicine, AIIMS Delhi, suggests senior citizens and their caregivers follow this advisory The caregiver is advised to contact the helpline if the senior citizen displays symptoms like fever, with or without body ache, new onset of symptoms, continuous cough, shortness of breath, unusually poor appetite and inability to eat.Ensure proper nutrition through homecooked, fresh meals , hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity. Due to summer, avoid dehydration and consume adequate amount of water Do not self-medicate.Maintain hygiene by washing hands, especially before meals and after using the washroom. This can be done by washing hands with soap and water for at least20 seconds. Clean frequently-touched objects such as spectacles. Sneeze and cough into tissue paper or handkerchief. After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper in a closed bin and wash the handkerchief.