Our immune system weakens as we age. This is especially true for seniors aged 65 and above. With the COVID-19 pandemic posing new hazards this year, it’s more important than ever to understand how to defend ourselves against the common cold, flu and other illnesses that could strike the most susceptible among us. Find out how retirement communities in Venice, FL, can protect seniors during the flu season.
Encourage Immunization
Prevention is always your greatest defense, which is why in our retirement community, we motivate our residents and team members to get their annual flu shot. Getting the yearly flu shot on time can reduce the severity of the illness and protect against other health complications. Even though the optimal period to receive the flu vaccination is from October through November, getting the vaccine later in the season is still beneficial.
Promote Healthy Eating
Eating a balanced diet is a great way for older adults to maintain good bodily function. Healthy meals can provide additional protection against the flu and other ailments. In our retirement community, our chef will ensure that residents consume nutrient-rich foods like lean protein, leafy greens and fruits to help strengthen the immune system and prevent the flu.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Washing your hands with soap is a simple but effective technique to get rid of cold and flu germs. By rubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, most germs on your hands will be killed. Don’t forget to clean the areas around your wrists, between your fingers, under your nails and on the backs of your hands. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol to destroy the nasty germs.
Keep the Environment Clean
Viruses can survive for weeks or months on surfaces. According to research conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Hence, our team members will sanitize surfaces regularly to keep our residents in good health. While cleaning, we pay particular attention to the light switches, doorknobs and countertops in the kitchenettes and bathrooms as these areas are known to harbor germs. Additionally, our housekeeping team will wash cleaning cloths and sponges after each use to prevent the spread of germs.
Implement Daily Screening
Infected people can pose a threat to those they come into contact with and possibly cause a flu outbreak. Since older adults are more susceptible to severe flu symptoms, it’s our responsibility to ensure we do not introduce new pathogens into our community. We conduct daily screening and team members who are not feeling well are not permitted to work until they receive the all-clear from a doctor. Likewise, unwell visitors will not be granted entry into the community to visit the residents.
Get Enough Sleep
Everyone requires some proper downtime and there is an excellent reason for this. Sleep plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system. So a decent night’s sleep is important not only for the residents but also for the caregivers. If our team members are sick, they will be unable to provide the assistance and care that residents need to stay healthy and safe.
At our retirement community, we take serious precautions to safeguard our residents’ safety and health, especially during flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to know more about our safety practices, get in touch with us today!
