With the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all seen a lot of changes in the world around us. One of the things you may have noticed lately is people wearing gloves in the grocery store. Perhaps you’re wondering if your aging relative should be wearing gloves when they leave the house to protect themselves from the virus. Before you run out and purchase a box of gloves for the senior, there are some things you should know. Below are some myths concerning cloves and COVID-19 and the truth about each of them.
Myth: Wearing Gloves Protects Older Adults from the Virus
Truth: Gloves do not protect the wearer from contracting the virus. No matter what material the gloves your older family member wears are made from, the virus can transfer to them. This means that if the senior touches their face while wearing the gloves, they can still get sick. Also, people are much more likely to get COVID-19 by coming into contact with respiratory droplets from someone else, so social distancing and wearing a mask is much more effective.
Myth: When Seniors Wear Gloves They Don’t Have to Wash Their Hands
Truth: Since gloves aren’t an effective protection method, it stands to reason that older adults will still need to wash their hands frequently to prevent contracting the COVID-19 virus. Plus, when removing the gloves, it’s possible to come into contact with the germs that are on them. Therefore, it’s still important to wipe down cart handles with disinfectant wipes, use hand sanitizer in public, and wash hands thoroughly upon returning home.
Myth: Wearing Gloves Protects the People Around the Elderly Person
Truth: Because gloves pick up germs just as easily as hands do, as the older adult moves about and touches things, they can transfer germs to other people even with gloves on. To protect others (and themselves!), seniors should touch as little as possible while out of the house. During grocery shopping, do not pick up produce and then put it down again. Pick up only what you plan to purchase.
Myth: There’s No Harm in Wearing Medical Gloves
Truth: It’s true that wearing the gloves won’t harm your older family member. However, it does contribute to the shortage of medical gloves for health care providers. The gloves help to protect them from exposure to bodily fluids that can put them at risk for all sorts of diseases.
If your aging relative could use some help protecting themselves from the COVID-19 virus, home care can help. Home care providers can attend the older adult on outings to ensure they maintain social distancing. The home care provider can wipe down cart handles, make sure the older adult uses hand sanitizer, and remind them to wash their hands. At home, a home care provider can disinfect household surfaces that are touched often, like faucets, doorknobs, and countertops.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Sunny Vale, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources
blogs.webmd.com
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