The word “unprecedented” has been a key theme of 2020 – and will be the theme for the holiday season as well.

It’s important to inform yourself about the potential risks before planning a family gathering. The CDC notes the following in their holiday guidelines:

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in your housing unit (such as your house or apartment). This can include family members, as well as roommates or people who are unrelated to you. People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, should be considered part of different households. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.

If you do decide to visit in person with family or friends over the holidays, take every possible precaution, especially for your senior loved ones, who are most at risk for COVID-19 complications and death. Masks, social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and changing up the usual family dining table are all good precautions. Quarantining before and after the event is also recommended.

One recommendation for meals is to have a “moving feast” rather than sitting down to the typical dining table. Put appetizers in one room, salads in another, etc., and limit the number of people in each area to allow for social distancing. This lowers the risk a mask-less two-hour feast in close quarters poses – and you may find it’s an even better way to celebrate!

Every family (and every family member) must make their own decisions about the holidays, but remember the risk in-person gathering poses, especially to the older members of your family. In many parts of the country, cases have risen to a point where hospital beds are scarce. Keep your loved ones’ safety in mind so you can all be together next holiday season.

If you need home care support for your senior loved one, our professional caregivers have the PPE needed to give care as safely as possible. We have a number of precautions in place and have been vigilant with our staff and their clients. (Click here to read more.) Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

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