There’s nothing much worse than getting sick, even if it’s an illness that’s not considered especially dangerous but is extremely miserable. Rotavirus is a highly contagious infection that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It’s generally spread by children who haven’t yet developed healthy habits regarding toileting and washing.

Why Rotavirus is Dangerous For Your Elderly Loved One

Because your loved one may have other health complications or a weakened immune system, rotavirus can do a lot of damage to her system. Rotavirus often leads to dehydration, which could lead to hospitalization for your elderly loved one.

• Rotavirus Symptoms in the Elderly
• Abdominal Pain
• Severe, watery Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever

If your loved one has any of these symptoms, contact her physician to determine if she needs to visit the hospital to recover.

• Can’t keep any liquid down for more than 24 hours.
• She has a temperature of more than 103 degrees
• She has signs of extreme dehydration such as dry mouth, severe weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion.
• She has diarrhea that has lasted for more than two days
• There is blood in her vomit or diarrhea

Five Tips to Prevent Rotavirus Exposure

Stopping exposure before it occurs is the best way to keep your loved one safe and healthy from this virus. Here are five tips you can help her take to reduce her risk of getting ill:

• Avoid those who are sick. Children are often the carriers of rotavirus so if any of the grandkids are not feeling well, any visits with them should be postponed until they are feeling better. If someone has had it, they should wait at least 3 days after their bout with it before planning a visit with your loved one.
• Wash Hands Often. Anytime spent in the public should always involve your loved one washing her hands well before eating, after any bathroom visit, and upon arriving home. Hand sanitizing gels can help but are not as helpful as thorough handwashing.
• Regularly disinfect shared objects in the home. If your elderly loved one has had guests or if she lives with you and shares the home with family, commonly shared items should be regularly disinfected. Items to remember are the fridge handle, doorknobs, TV remotes, and light switches.
• Avoid sharing. Make sure your loved one has her own towel when washing, as well as doesn’t share any food with loved ones, even larger serving containers. Don’t keep all the cookies in a cookie jar for anyone to grab, and serve chips in individual bags.
• Eat healthy foods that boost the immune system.

Home Care Assistance Provider Can Help Your Loved One Feel Better Quicker.

If your elderly loved one becomes ill from rotavirus, rest and rehydration will be an important part of her recovery. She might need some assistance at home if she feels extremely ill and weak. A home care assistance provider can visit once your loved one is feeling better and helps her catch up on any chores she missed or may be feeling too weak to work on right away. A home care assistance provider can also prepare some healthy recovery meals as well as ensure she continues to rehydrate helping your loved one feel better quicker.

If you or an aging loved one needs home care assistance in Dacula, GA, call Home Care Matters. We can answer your questions about home care and help you learn more about options for care. Call today (770) 965-4004.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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