The uncertainty of COVID-19 has many people worried about what happens if the virus hits their family. If you may have the disease and have to go into quarantine, can your siblings help your parents? If your siblings are also quarantined, who takes care of your parents?
You need to talk to your parents and other pertinent family members soon. If you can’t do this in person, which is likely, do it online over a video chat. These are the topics you need to cover.
Do They Have a Medical POA and HIPAA Permissions in Place?
A medical POA is important in certain situations. If your mom or dad isn’t conscious or otherwise able to communicate, the person named in the POA can step in and answer questions and make sure doctors do what the patient wants. If you know your dad doesn’t want a feeding tube and you’re his POA, you can tell the doctors that he doesn’t want one.
HIPAA permissions are also important. If your name isn’t on the list of people the doctor is allowed to share medical information with, the doctor cannot answer questions or provide information. That’s why your parents must make sure you’re on the HIPAA paperwork.
Are They Following Social Distancing Rules?
If your parents live in an area where social distancing orders have been laid out, ask your parents if they understand what it means. You need to make sure they’re aware that they are supposed to stay at home, limit trips to stores, and stay at least six feet away from other people.
You shouldn’t be surprised if they’re taking risks. All you can do is explain the importance and talk to them about the things they need to be doing. They may need a lot of reminders as the weeks pass. The loneliness may start weighing on them and pushing them to go out and seek social activities.
Can Their Prescriptions Be Switched to Home Delivery?
Ask the pharmacy that fills your parents’ prescriptions if they offer home delivery. If they don’t, you can look into mail-order options. This way the prescription medications come to your parents’ house and keeps them from having to go out.
When it’s not advised that you go to your parents’ house, you still need to make sure they have the help they need. Caregivers provide that help until you recover. You can hire a home care aide to pick up prescriptions, do the shopping, do the laundry, and keep the home sterile. You might find that your parents enjoy having caregivers so much that they want to keep the services as they continue to age from home.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering caregivers in Littleton, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
