How Caregivers Can Protect Themselves and Care Recipients in Massachusetts

Quick answer: Caregivers can reduce the spread of respiratory illness by practicing hand hygiene, improving ventilation, staying home when sick, using appropriate precautions, and following current public-health guidance.

Everyday infection-prevention steps for caregivers

• Wash hands regularly and help the person receiving care do the same.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and shared equipment when appropriate.
• Improve indoor ventilation when practical.
• Avoid providing close-contact care when sick whenever a safe backup plan is available.
• Discuss recommended vaccinations with the person’s licensed healthcare provider.
• Use masks or other precautions when recommended for the situation.

What should a caregiver do when symptoms appear?

Monitor for symptoms, limit avoidable exposure to others, and contact the person’s healthcare provider when medical guidance is needed. Seek emergency assistance for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion, or an inability to stay awake.

Follow current public-health guidance

Recommendations can change as respiratory illnesses and public-health conditions evolve. Review the CDC’s current COVID-19 information and guidance from Massachusetts public-health authorities rather than relying on instructions published early in the pandemic.

Plan for continuity of care

Families should maintain current emergency contacts, medication information, healthcare-provider details, and a backup caregiving plan. These preparations can reduce disruption when the primary caregiver is ill or unavailable.