How to Develop a Care Plan
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of having a care plan to utilize when needed. While future pandemics are uncertain, there may be times where staying home is the safest option. If you are in a high-risk group, staying home during cold and flu season is beneficial. Here are some things to think about when putting together your care plan and how it can financially benefit you.
Have someone who can check in on you
If you live alone, have a friend, family member, or caregiver check in with you every day. This doesn’t have to be a long ordeal, a quick call, text, or email does the trick. If you are staying home because you are in a high-risk group and aren’t joining in the activities you normally do, then consistent check-ins with others are a must.
Keep enough essentials so you don’t have to go to the grocery store or pharmacy
If you have the means to do so, keep around two weeks of essentials (or more if you can afford it) in your house. With the continuing spread of COVID-19 and cold and flu season approaching, you may find that you are safest at home. Keeping a stock of nonperishable foods, toiletries, and over-the-counter medications will help prevent you from taking unnecessary risks and going to a grocery store or pharmacy. Remember, it is good for your mental health to see other people and take part in your normal activities, so you may find it beneficial if you can safely see other people while taking the proper precautions.
It’s not necessary to hoard products, like toilet paper or canned goods. However, it is smart to keep well-stocked pantry shelves. Even if you aren’t high-risk, you could find yourself in a situation like a hurricane, earthquake, or other natural events that make it harder to access what you need.
Staying healthy at home
It’s important to manage your health while staying at home. Exercise may be a part of your regimen to manage your illness, but gyms are high-risk areas where germs can spread. In this case, speak with your doctor or physical therapist about what exercises you can do at home or consider buying equipment that you can set up in your house.
Staying at home for an extended period of time can be exhausting and both physically and mentally detrimental. That’s why it’s important to find hobbies that you can do at home, set realistic goals, and make sure you keep moving every day.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was certainly unexpected, it did teach us the importance of having a care plan for yourself and your family members. Medical bills are expensive, so having a plan that you can follow for the long-term is essential to your financial success.
Originally published at https://www.seniorfinanceadvisor.com.
