Families

How to stay healthy and not get sick:

  • Throughout the day, wash your hands all over with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (count to 20 or sing “Happy Birthday” song twice). Dry your hands with a paper towel. You can also use hand sanitizer, but washing your hands is best.
    • Wash hands before eating
    • Wash hands after using the bathroom
    • Wash hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • Wash hands after coming home from the store or other public place
  • Keep your hands away from your face. If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, that is how germs can get in your body and you could get sick.
    • To help yourself remember to keep your hands away from your face, try drawing, playing a game on your device, using a fidget spinner, or squeezing a stress ball.
  • If someone else is sick, stay far away from them.
  • If someone helps you eat or care for yourself, remind them to wash their hands before helping you.

How to keep other people from getting sick:

  • If you have to cough or sneeze, do it in your elbow or in a tissue, and then throw away the tissue in a trash can.
  • If you have to itch or touch your face, use a tissue.
  • Remind your family and friends to wash their hands and keep their hands away from their faces.
  • If you feel sick or different than normal, tell someone immediately and stay home.

Extra Tips for Families/Caregivers

  • If possible, have a separate room and bathroom for vulnerable loved ones to protect them from getting sick.
  • Regularly clean handrails, tables, phones/tablets/keyboards, TV remotes, wheelchair handles, doorknobs, and other things that are used a lot.
  • Have a backup plan for caregivers in case someone gets sick.

Do you have questions?

Family Resources

Families - Free At-Home Activities

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Information