COVID–19 Detecting Symptoms in your loved one from a Distance
We can not always be with our loved ones. Long-Distance Families make approximately 43.5 million caregivers who have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. How can you keep a watchful eye on long-distance older family members for symptoms of COVID-19? First, you will need to know what symptoms to watch and listen to.
Did you know that COVID -19 is known to develop into a severe acute respiratory syndrome and may result in death? The elderly are more susceptible to this contagion simply due to their age. Your job is to become their health detective by paying acute attention to physical symptoms and asking questions when conversing with your loved one.
Symptoms to Listen & Signs to Look for
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure, commonly referred to as the incubation period. Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever, cough or tiredness – If your loved one is suddenly not making sense or acting confused when you are talking with them, this could be an indication of having a fever and an infection. Listen for coughing during your conversation and don’t be afraid to ask if they are napping more often or sleeping longer than usual or if they are weaker than usual.
Other symptoms can/may include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Muscle Aches
- Chills Sore Throat
- Loss of taste or smell Headache
- Chest pain
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF MEDICAL HISTORY
If your loved one has existing medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, or compromised immune systems they may be at greater risk for contracting COVID-19.
CALL YOUR LOVED ONE’S PCP OR ARRANGE FOR THEM TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY IF MORE THAN ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS APPEAR.
As your loved one’s health detective – Vigilantly Monitor their Physical Appearance
Call often. Listen for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, inability to complete sentences without having to take a breath. Are they suddenly confused or confused more than usual?
Use your technology. Face time with your loved one. Look at them. Are they having a hard time breathing? Watch and count how many times their chest raises per minute. Normal breathes per minute in the elderly is 10-30. With COVID-19 the rate will be lower. Look for the appearance of lost sudden weight loss. The virus can decrease their appetite as it affects their sense of smell, making food less appetizing. Look at your loved one’s lips. Are they discolored or have a light blue tint? This is a sign of oxygen deprivation and could potentially be very serious.
If you see any of these signs call your loved one’s PCP immediately and take/arrange for them to be taken to the hospital immediately.
JOIN ME FOR MY NEW FREE WEBINAR
Create 5 Telehealth Products for COVID 19
WHEN. THURSDAY AUGUST 6
TIME- 2 PM Pacific Standard Time
Care Management businesses are struggling with pandemic close-downs.
Support your business bottom line, clients, and their families.
Create 5 COVID-19 products.
Products from sheltering in place through the hospital, recovery at home, discharge from an SNF, or hospital for local and long-distance elders. Increase your bottom
line as COVID spreads throughout the US and more shutdowns loom
Learn Step by Step How to Consult with Aging Families and Seniors to Choose the best Hipaa Compliant Telehealth Products to Remotely Consult with Client
- Help a Local Family Assist a Loved One Safely Shelter in Place
- Help a Long-Distance Family Guide a Local Loved One Shelter in Place
- Help an Aging Family Help a Loved on Hospitalized for Covid-19
- Help an Aging Family Care for a Loved one Recover when Discharged from a
Nursing Home
- Help an Aging Family Care for a loved one Recover when Discharged from a
Hospital
WHEN. THURSDAY AUGUST 6
TIME- 2 PM Pacific Standard Time
REGISTER NOW
