I'm working with a great therapist who has now advised me to move forward with hiring in-home care for my mom to lessen my own caregiving burden. He warns me that my mental health is being seriously impacted.
I do trust him. But I just need to hear from you out there - do you worry about the possibility of caregivers infecting your loved ones with covid? The way I and my sister have been caregiving for my mom, this past year, has limited the risk of covid tremendously, especially because we both are so cautious and avoid risks when we are away from my mom.
Bringing in caregivers day and night, because she needs 24-hour care, obviously increases the risk greatly. And I'm stuck on the thinking that I'm putting my mom at risk to save my own rear end.
(I haven't broached the issue yet with my sister, but I fully expect her to push back 100% with covid concerns.)
Well thanks in advance.
You can hire a Certified Nursing Asst (CNA) through an agency, but be aware that many agencies do NOT require COVID vaccinations for staff. Ask to see the agency's written staff policy for COVID protocol as this is what the employee is required to follow. In your own home, you can certainly mandate that the caregiver wear a mask and eat at a distance. I set up a caregiver handwashing station, complete with antibacterial soap, paper towels, spare gloves, and a trash can with a lid. I also used a spray disinfectant after each person was done with their shift (overkill, some would say). Ask for a regularly assigned CNA to reduce the number of people that your mom will be exposed to.
The alternative is to go private care and you can require a copy of the CNA's vaccination card and regular testing as long as you notify the person - in writing - before hiring them.
By bringing in help, you're taking care of everyone's health while increasing your own quality of life. Go for it.
This doesn't mean that we cannot live life, or cannot live a quality life; we just have to accept that we cannot live without some risk.
All of that said, what if you take on all the 24/7 care, and you weaken, and you get covid-19? What if YOU die? What then for your Mom?
You need to make this decision for yourself. I myself would not risk my own life in this when any one of you could at any time get covid-19 from anyone else. Tell Sis you have made your own decision for your own well being, and if she is sad about that or mad about that there is nothing you can do about it, would be my advise.
Bottom line here for you, rosadelima, is that it certainly can't hurt if you make sure you add this to your routine.
You said it beautifully.
Most of my caregivers get tested on their other jobs several times a week. Most of our caregivers have had covid over the last 2-1/2 years. Most of our caregivers are vaccinated and boostered.
Is your Mom vaccinated and boostered?
We require the caregivers to wear masks and do a temp check upon entry. They can remove their masks to eat and drink if more than 6' away from Mom.
There are risks to everything in life. A loved one is at risk for covid in the home, in a care home, in a nursing home, in assisted living and in the grocery store.
Do your best to mitigate the risk.
Yes my mom is totally vaccinated and boosted. But gee, covid is so sneaky; my older daughter just cancelled her wedding because her two children just tested positive, despite vaccinations.
As you feel strongly about this, don't sign any contract (agency or indy) that doesn't guarantee that every caregiver be vaccinated. Ask for proof of vaccination for anyone new.
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