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Staying Safe in the Time of COVID-19

Deb Goldfeder, RN, MSN, SAJE Faith Community Nurse

It is difficult to sort truth from fiction when something as frightening as a new and potentially deadly virus emerges somewhere in the world and now seems to threaten us. We scarcely know what to do or where to go. Let’s look at the basics:

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least twenty seconds with warm water and soap. Dry hands with paper towel and then use the towel to turn off the faucets. Use a paper towel to open the bathroom door, too, and then discard it in a trash receptacle.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60%) when hand washing is not possible. Use a paper towel to activate the pump rather than using your hand to do it. If your skin is dried out, using hand cream on dry skin is permissible. Again, use a paper towel or Kleenex to activate the pump rather than touching it with your clean hands.
  • Don’t touch your face with your bare hands. Use a tissue to scratch your itchy nose and then discard it. Don’t stick it back in your pocket!

What about being around other people? Consider avoiding crowded conditions and limiting attendance at larger gatherings. What should you consider when deciding what to do?

  • Are you feeling unwell? Are you short of breath or do you have a fever, aches, coughing, sneezing? If so, stay home! Do NOT go to the doctor’s office or to the emergency room but DO call your physician’s office immediately for advice and directions.
  • Stay home if there are people in your home who are exhibiting symptoms of the illness.
  • Don’t go to any gathering that makes you feel uncomfortable including SAJE activities.
  • Try to maintain a six foot distance from anyone with symptoms.
  • Avoid prolonged travel on airlines or even on trains where you are likely to be in confined spaces with others and with limited air exchange.
  • Don’t book cruises. Just don’t do it.
  • Whenever possible, open windows or use other sources of ventilation to keep the air circulating wherever you are.

Be prepared for the worst if you have to self-quarantine:

  • Have extra medications on hand to last through a potential two-week self-quarantine
  • Have sufficient over-the-counter medications for control of fever or other problems.
  • Stock sufficient food staples on hand to cover for food needs for two weeks.

Finally, check the CDC COVID-19 website regularly for updates on precautions. At this point, Missouri only has one confirmed case of COVID-19. Use common sense but bring questions about COVID-19 to discuss with us at SAJE.                                                                                                         written Tuesday, March 10, 2020 – 2300hrs

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 Our Story

SAJE is an ecumenical ministry for the purpose of enriching the lives of seniors in the Crestwood/Sunset Hills area. SAJE activities are open to all regardless of religious or congregational affiliation, SAJE Senior Ministry is a partnership of four churches in the Crestwood/Sunset Hills area in southern metropolitan Saint Louis, Missouri. In the summer of 2010, these churches came together to develop an intentional senior ministry for the older adults in their community regardless of religious affiliation. The ministry held their first Lunch ‘n Learn on April 15, 2010, and officially launched in January 2011.

Our member churches include:

Our Nurse

Image of nurse talking to patientSAJE Senior Ministry supports a Faith Community Nurse, Deb Goldfeder, who is available to members. Deb cares for physical, social, and spiritual needs. She can meet with you about health assessments, weight, diet, home safety and other concerns that you may have. Deb can also obtain doctor appointments, act as an advocate for patients, make referrals for services, and help with medication plans. You can visit with Deb at many of our SAJE events, or contact her for an appointment. Her care aims to keep people in a safe and supportive environment.