When you have parents, children, and pets needing you, the last thing you want is to wake up and feel sick.
You have a stomach bug, fever, chills, body aches, or other symptoms that make it clear you're sick. The last thing you should do is go to your parents' house, but they rely on you. What do you do?
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Focus on Yourself
If you have the flu, there is the risk that you can develop pneumonia if you don't take care of yourself. You need to focus your attention on drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep, and using pain relievers to manage the fever, chills, and aches. You can't do that while also caring for your parents.
The other issue is that your parents may be concerned about you and try to become your caregiver while you're sick. They may no longer be able to help out as much as they want. That can be disappointing and frustrating to them. If you stay home, you avoid that.
It's okay to stay at home and do very little. Get a pot of chicken soup going in a slow cooker. Spend the rest of your day napping, drinking juice and water, watching movies, and reading books. Let your body dictate how active you are.
Don't Spread Your Virus to Them
Your immune response may be superior to your parents'. While you're getting over the chest cold, flu, or another virus easily enough. It could be tough for them to beat. You wouldn't want to give them your illness and have them end up in the hospital with pneumonia, sepsis, or other debilitating symptoms.
You need to stay away until your fever is gone and you're not coughing or sneezing. Ideally, wait several days after the symptoms clear up. Use the time to clean and disinfect your house instead of rushing right back to your parents' house and potentially spreading it to them.
Take a Closer Look at Respite Care
One of the main goals of respite care is to give you or your parents a break. Use respite care to get better when you're ill. Your parents may need care temporarily if they're ill and need help until they feel better. Respite care covers vacations, work trips, and more.
Make plans to have caregivers cover you whenever you need a break. Respite care is the specific elder care service you need to discuss. Respite care ensures you can stay home and get better without your parents struggling with daily tasks. Call an elder care agency to get started.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Northville, MI, or the surrounding area, please contact the caring staff at CareOne Senior Care today. Call us at (248) 308-2777.
