Taking care of Dad AND trying to keep him safe

[MissMillie]

I really don't do all that much for him. I cook him dinner 3 times a week. But I also help my sister shop for what's needed.

And honestly, I don't go ANYWHERE else. Dad's house and the grocery--that's it. It's been like that for quite a while really. My guy and I have been strapped for cash as we have been paying to keep the house warm in these cold months. We don't go anywhere.

But I'm beginning to wonder if I'm putting him at risk. He's almost 89, and while in pretty good health, he's... well, he's almost 89.

I know it means a lot to him to see me every other day. Mom is in long-term assisted living and the facility ended visits. Dad's lonely.

If anything happened to him because of me, I'd never forgive myself.

[projectiboga]

1. Soap and Water

Hi, Stock up on cheep soap in the bar form. Soap and water using thorough hand washing technique making sure to do thumbs, finger tips, full palm, back and wrist. If you aren't circulating too much, bring him food and maybe keep distance and try to coach him on hand washing. Look around for an infographic, I saw a good one somewhere a month ago, that had a heat map of most likely to be missed places.

The big issue with this situation is the societal strain, so if some one elderly has a stroke or heart attack, they will be more likely to pass. Don't pass up the chances to check in and provide him meals. just keep distance, winter is mostly over, even if you get a light snow it will melt fast, unless you are way north of Boston in the mountains.

Just get some lawn furniture set up and keep a good distance from him, but visit for a few hours in the mid afternoon when it is the warmest.

Take care, we need to out survive them by the election.

[Blue_playwright]

2. I'm In a similar position with my dad.

Sending you positive vibes. We just have to do our best.

[JudyM]

3. Is he able to go for walks?

Best things for the immune system are exercise, sleep, hydration and extra vegetables, so says my mom’s dr. and everything I’m reading.

The virus is airborne, they’ve known that for a while but they’re barely covering it... all the focus is on hand washing. Hate to say it but visiting without getting close physically is best... you could put a bandana over your mouth and nose to prevent virus shedding (I believe we should all assume we have the virus already since it is totally stealth), and gargle with salt water or listerine plus rinse/blow your nose with saline before you arrive to lessen any virus shedding. It lives in your nose and throat before moving into the lungs. I got some saline nasal spray to use a couple times a day, it’s supposed to help keep the virus from replicating so freely in the nasal passages. Maybe that’s TMI?