New avenues of caregiving
Published:Friday | July 22, 2022 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
There is need to strengthen the health model with the formal inclusion of hygienists and other technicians. Here are a few areas which the coronavirus pandemic has made indispensable.
1. Bathroom monitors: People with this expertise can effectively control infectious diseases. They can be employed and deployed in homes, schools and public spaces. They would monitor the flow of traffic, clean the facility space and distributing sanitary products, including soap. They can ensure safe water supply and careful flushing of toilets.
2. Patient caregivers: It is important that patients are taken care of daily. The caregiver would make home visits to the patients. They must be sensitive to the times when the patient should bathe, ensure to keep the surroundings clean. It may be necessary to employ one or two individuals who understand the needs of the patient and so carry out their duties effectively.
3. Meal support team: This team is critical in ensuring the meeting of the nutritional needs of the patients. The attendant close at hand must be aware of what needs the patient has and how their dietary needs may be changing, due to the medical condition. A caregiver who can patiently feed a patient and make them comfortable is more than worth their weight in gold.
4. Transportation team: Those who transport the patients need to be trained in the correct techniques. They must be aware of the various conditions of patients. If they are the driver, they should be equipped with a first aid kit and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
These days, as we move increasingly to individual self-care, those who provide care need care, too.
HELEN-ANN ELIZABETH