We live in the coronavirus times that are quite unpredictable and deadly too. There is nothing constant in our lives, with every day bringing a new challenge. Just last year, I had seen so many loved ones crying when they lost their elderly parents or relatives. Even I lost some of the important people in my life who always were happening and had the courage to lead a better life come what may.
Coronavirus is here to stay, will not vanish completely: WHO
Recently, my uncle got hospitalized for high blood pressure. What seemed to be a BP problem, turned out to be a series of hidden health issues that got aggravated as the results of the various tests came out. I visited my uncle quite many times but I learned that we should be careful even while visiting non-coronavirus patients when they are in a general hospital. Here are some travel tips to ensure you are safe despite taking time for the hospital visits for your loved one.
How elderly can be encouraged to look at the brighter side of life
1) Wear a mask throughout your journey:
Yes, the coronavirus cases are dipping in many states all over India. People are already vaccinated against the virus and some are also taking the precautionary doses to prevent themselves from further spreading. Despite all the precautions that are being taken, it is important that we also wear proper masks throughout the time we leave our home, reach the hospital, and interact with the patient till we return back home. Do not lower the masks just because you feel like it, you can use alternate masks in case you have removed the existing mask that you wore while you reached the hospital.
2) Carry water bottles and other eateries:
You can always carry a biscuit packet and water bottles to drink wherever you go. Especially if you are visiting a hospital and are waiting for the doctor to arrive, the time may not be as scheduled before. The doctor may have told you he will arrive at 7 pm but may reach the hospital by 9 pm thus, making you wait for extra hours because he had an emergency to handle. You need to sit there by drinking water from the hospital but instead carry your own water facility and eat biscuits if you feel hungry.
3) Sanitize your hands and wash them often at the hospital:
If you have reached the hospital and have been given a prescription of medicines to get from the local store, you can keep sanitizing your hands every once in a while. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you have used the restrooms. You can even put up a smile on your face when you meet the patient so that they don’t have to feel worried or bothered about what is happening with them. Give them hope and courage to live as you leave them in the hospital to stay for a while till they get discharged. Share some good things with them about the positive developments in the lives of others because literally, no one likes to stay back at the hospital and be bed-ridden.
Last but not the least, ensure to change your clothes and take a bath once you are back home from the hospital visit as it will reduce your chances to develop any sort of infection.
