The Back-to-School Blueprint
A Proactive Plan Supporting Seniors and Caregivers for a Happy and Healthy Season
As summer winds down and the familiar rhythm of the school year begins, families with children often find their routines shifting into a busier, more structured pace. For adult children who are also caregivers, this back-to-school season can present unique challenges. Schedules become tighter, homes become more active, and the increased social contact can bring a fresh wave of germs into the household. At Centric Home Health & Hospice, we understand these transitions. Being proactive and following the steps highlighted in this blog during the back-to-school season ensures a smooth, healthy, and happy transition for everyone.
Preparing for the Change in Pace
The shift from a relaxed summer to a structured school year can often feel jarring for older adults who rely on routine. Being intentional and planning out this chance in pace can minimize stress and prevent feelings of isolation.
Adjusting the Schedule
As children's school and extracurricular activities ramp up, family schedules can become less predictable. Take time to sit down with your loved one to discuss these upcoming changes. Involving your loved one in this discussion helps them feel more in control and reduces the anxiety that can come with a disrupted routine. Consider using a shared digital calendar or a large, visible wall calendar to keep track of key events, appointments, and changes in visiting times, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Building a Stronger Support Network
Often children's school activities take precedence, but it’s vital to ensure your loved one's care network remains strong and resilient. You can use this as an opportunity to proactively engage other family members, friends, or even neighbors to create a shared schedule for visits or errands to maintain that same level of care. By involving more people, you create a safety net that prevents your loved one from feeling isolated. This is also a perfect time to reassess your professional care needs. Centric's staff and nurses can provide consistent, reliable care during times when family members are unavailable, ensuring no gaps in care and giving you peace of mind.
Proactive Health and Hygiene
The back-to-school season is notoriously known for one thing, germs. While children are at school, they are also exposed to a variety of viruses and bacteria that can easily be brought home. This is especially concerning for seniors, who may have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to complications from common illnesses.
Establishing a Clean Space
Maintaining a clean home environment is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved one's health. We highly recommend a routine of regular cleaning, especially for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls, countertops, and light switches. Using disinfecting wipes or sprays can quickly and effectively sanitize these high-traffic areas. This simple practice can significantly reduce the spread of seasonal viruses.
Handwashing is Key
Not only for children returning from school, reinforce the importance of frequent and thorough handwashing for everyone in the household. Teach children the proper handwashing technique: using soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice). Having hand sanitizers available in key areas, such as the entryway or living room, can also be a helpful reminder.
Vaccinations and Health Check-ups
Ensure your loved one's vaccinations are up to date, particularly for the flu and pneumonia, before the season begins. This proactive measure is one of the most powerful tools for preventing severe illness. The flu is especially dangerous for older adults, the
CDC estimates that in recent years, between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. A check-up with their physician to discuss any new health concerns is also a great proactive step, allowing you to establish a baseline for their health before the busier season begins.
Centric's Role in a Smooth Transition
As your family’s schedule changes and new health considerations arise, Centric Home Health & Hospice is here to provide the expert support you need. Our comprehensive services are designed to manage and educate on your loved one’s health, ensuring they remain safe and independent throughout the season.
Our skilled nurses are the heart of our home care service. They perform and teach about crucial services such as injections, tube feeding, catheter changes, and wound care. Their presence is a vital layer of protection during a time of increased germ exposure. Our nurses provide invaluable observation and assessment of your loved one's condition and manage their overall treatment plan. This vigilance allows our team to identify and address new health concerns before they become serious. They can also provide a deeper level of education, teaching family members how to recognize early signs of illness and implement preventative strategies.
Beyond nursing, our nurses are a critical resource for families. A consistent, caring presence provides incredible value at a time such as this. We also offer physical, speech, or
occupational therapy for a loved one's well-being and independence. Our Physical Therapists work to maintain mobility and strength, helping to reduce fall risks. Our Occupational Therapists assist with daily activities, ensuring your loved one can safely and independently perform tasks like dressing and meal preparation. And our Speech Therapists can help with any swallowing or communication challenges, ensuring safety and social engagement.
A Partner in Peace of Mind
The back-to-school season is a time of excitement and new beginnings. By being proactive and leveraging the support of Centric Home Health & Hospice, you can ensure that this transition is a healthy and positive experience for your loved one. With a plan for managing schedules, maintaining hygiene, and a trusted partner for medical care, you and your family can focus on the joys of the new school year with complete peace of mind.
Are you looking for a partner to help your loved one stay safe and healthy this season?
Contact Centric Home Health & Hospice today to learn more about how our personalized services can support your family.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical or legal advice.
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