With the outbreak of the coronavirus, should I let go of caregivers who also work in nursing homes?

I think it's important to keep things as normal as they can be during this trying time. I think as long as the caregiver is taking the precautions that we all should be taking it's fine that they continue to care for your loved one. If you have to do it on your own it will burn you out and remember stress makes us sick. Best wishes and remember to take care of yourself as well!

I'm writing from King County, Washington which is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the US. Please remember that all the deaths in the U.S., with the sole exception of one in Kansas (as of this writing) have occurred in King County and Snohomish County (right next door to King County) and that the total today, in the entire United States, is 48 deaths. With only a couple of exceptions, these occurred in one Life Care Center in Kirkland, WA, one rehab center in Stanwood, WA, and one Life Care Center in Kansas. Many people have been exposed, but only 48 have died. The fact that this has affected very elderly people first is, indeed, very scary, and it is important that we all practice social distancing, avoid large crowds, practice good hygiene, and insist those who care for our elderly do the same. I hate to see you fire the caregivers, when you, yourself, may have already been exposed to the virus. You won't know that unless you are tested or showing obvious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and it is hard to get a test if you aren't showing symptoms. This is a very tough spot for all of us with elderly people in our lives. If you are truly concerned about the caregivers, I'd ask what is being done to isolate the elderly folks in the nursing home(s) where they work, and you stay informed about anyone who may be infected there--if any at all. Again, at this writing, only the homes in Washington state and the one in Kansas show any reports of people being affected and no new cases from those homes have been reported.

I would continue with the current situation having good infection control measures. At least you have the reassurance knowing that they will be vigilant. If you introduce new caregivers, you don't know if they will be a good fit for your mom and how vigilant they will be regarding infection control? The adjustment to new circumstances for your mother may be quite difficult.

IMHO, I cannot answer that tough question.

This is a good time for facial masks for caregivers to wear when at your home. You need protection too.

I understand your concern...... my Daughter is an LVN who works in a nursing home.... she also has lupus which makes her way more likely to have problems with any virus.... because her meds keep her immune system so low that it’s almost nonexistent.... but her answer is that there are germs and viruses that we come into contact with everyday. But we can’t be afraid of everything because if we are....... are we really alive anyway?