Corona Virus: How Aging Life Care Managers® Can Help Families Prepare For Emergencies
TUCSON, Ariz. (PRWEB) March 08, 2020 -- The Aging Life Care Association® is a nationwide, 2000-member strong association of Aging Life Care Professionals® who help older adults and families plan and assist in long-term care and who are often on-call or involved during emergencies.
This is especially important during times of public health challenges, like the COVID-19 (corona) virus. Aging Life Care Managers® help clients and their families be prepared and have action plans through their holistic approach.
Aging Life Care Professionals are up-to-date on news and developments, and ready to assist their clients during the COVID-19 crisis in compassionate, competent, and controlled manners. They plan ahead to ensure that clients have what they will need at home including at least a month’s supply of medications, fever-reducing over-the-counter medications, gloves, disinfecting wipes, and ensuring vaccinations are current.
While scientists are still gathering data, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have been providing daily updates on this novel virus. Aging Life Care Professionals are able to be nimble and efficient by conveying this information to their clients as they occur.
“As an Aging Life Care practice based in Seattle, Washington, we are proceeding with an abundance of care and caution. We closely monitor public health directives and recommendations and employ best practices, such as proper and frequent hand washing, especially for personal visits. We are also in regular communication with allied professionals, such as our contacts at housing communities where our clients are residents, as well as with our clients’ families and other care partners. Our top concern is our clients’ health and well-being, that their families are getting clear information, and that our staff is safe as well,” said Lisa Mayfield, founder of Aging Wisdom and past president of the Aging Life Care Association.”
Current recommendations from these established health organizations are to practice every day preventative measures. Individuals and families are informed to follow the everyday preventive measures including: voluntary home isolation; respiratory etiquette; hand hygiene (washing or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol); avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth and ears; and routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects with disinfected wipes especially mobile phones and computers.
Routine use of these measures by everyone will increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak. According to the CDC, decisions about the implementation of community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness. Implementation will require extensive community engagement and ongoing and transparent public health communications.
ALCA’s Aging Life Care Professionals are dedicated, smart, and responsive and can support clients as needs arise before and during illness outbreaks. This COVID-19 outbreak can be concerning, but knowledge is power. If you are worried about your aging loved one, connect with an Aging Life Care Professional – they are ready to assist and ensure your loved ones are taking necessary precautions, whether they live alone or in community setting.
ABOUT the Aging Life Care Association®
Aging Life Care Association® was formed in 1985 to advance dignified care for older adults and their families in the United States. Founded by and handful of women entrepreneurs in the social work and nursing fields, the Association has grown to over 2000 members nationwide, and have cared for about two million older adults over its 35-year history. Aging Life Care Professionals® have extensive training and experience working with older adults, people with disabilities, and families who need assistance with caregiving issues. Through a process of assessment, care planning and implementation, advocacy, education, decision support, and coaching, the Aging Life Care Professional guides families to specific decisions and actions that ensure quality care and optimal functioning for those they love. The practice of Aging Life Care™ and the role of care providers have captured a national spotlight, as generations of Baby Boomers age in the United States and abroad. For more information or to access a nationwide directory of Aging Life Care Professionals, please visit http://www.aginglifecare.org.
Courtney Pulitzer, Aging Life Care Association, http://aginglifecare.org, 520-881-8008, [email protected]
Share this article