Dos and Don'ts for Preventing Infection

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Do	Don't
• Wash your hands often — soap is a must! See our Careguide on handwashing.	• Shake hands. Simply explain you are a caregiver and no offense is intended. People will understand.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.	• Go to work if you don’t feel well. (So you don’t spread your virus to others)
• Cut your finger nails! We all know to wash our hands but germs can hide just under long nails.	• Touch your face.
• Postpone birthdays and anniversaries. Cancel all group dining, celebrations and events.	• Share towels, face cloths, cups, dishes or cutlery.
• If you feel ill, avoid crowds – see our careguide on self-isolation. • Isolate the person you are caring for to protect them from any viruses. • In times of pandemic, limit the care recipient to contact with 2 people: yourself and the backup caregiver	• Attend meetings, parties, shows or large social gatherings • Attend any weekly club meetings (consider attending remotely, using technology, if possible.)
• Actively screen yourself for symptoms of: sore throat, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, confusion, blueness in lips. See a doctor right away if you think you are sick. Phone ahead to tell them you are coming.	• Wear artificial nails or nail enhancements. They are more difficult to clean and have been known to carry germs.
• Cough into your elbow or a tissue. You want to avoid blowing moisture droplets into the air.	• Go to a public gym. (Consider exercising at home while sick.)
• Use disinfectant wipes on all touch points (Bleach & water work too): TV remotes /steering wheels / door knobs / fridge door handles / light switches / counter tops / kitchen cabinet doors / cell phone / mouse and keyboard / canes / walkers / wheelchair arm rests.	• Travel, in general – no planes, trains or public transit.
• Reschedule wellness appointments – look ahead at your care recipient’s schedule. Cancel non-essential appointments.	• Have close contact with people who are sick.
• If available, get the appropriate vaccine.
• Be aware of common touch points outside the home: shopping cart handle, door handles or glass, your steering wheel, money, gas pump. Use cashless payments if possible.
• If the person you are caring for needs to be isolated and is dependent on you, wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). See our video on PPE.
• Wash your hands immediately after reading magazines or papers in medical offices or waiting rooms.