COVID-19 hits countries all over the world. To slow up the spread of the virus is as significant as the prevention of the spread of the virus, to stop devastating the health care system. So, countries have taken prudent measures to flatten the curve. Some of these measures involve executing safe social distancing, following good washing hygiene, and significantly staying at home.
The elderly must submit to these safety measures since they are more vulnerable to this infection due to their aging immunity system. Their old immunity system also indicates that their recuperation period is slower when they caught this virus. Besides, for the elderly who have other chronic diseases, getting this virus will be more difficult. Though safety measures aim to protect the elderly’s well-being and lower the risk of getting infected, their emotional and mental well-being could be affected. They will be lonelier, particularly for those elderly who are in self-isolation. These measures also interrupt some of their normal daily activities, like talking to friends, visiting the hospitals, shopping, and making them feel more disappointed and helpless.
As part of the family, we must do the following to care for the elderly and make them feel joined and less isolated.
Make time teaching the elderly how to use the technology
Forbidden house visits and catching up with friends decrease their physical connection time with others. It is crucial to make time teaching the elderly on utilizing smartphones to connect with friends and family members. They can employ FaceTime functions in the smartphone or Zoom app to stay virtually connected.
Check in on them regularly
Your actions make the elderly loved and cared for feel better. Always check them by various modes. Call them by FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. Sometimes, send the mail to uplift their morale with a card written for them.
Continue to Hold Parties
Though the elderly are at home, family members should proceed to arrange parties like birthdays; to keep the family connected. Online celebrations can be as entertaining as physical celebrations so long as everyone socializes and joins in the fun. However, never forget the health protocol at home. You can still hold parties as long as everybody is not sick and follows health protocols. Safety of your senior loved ones is important.
Wash your hands often
If you care for an aging loved one, you must often wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also sing the Happy Birthday song to ensure your hands are clean. As the caregiver or a family member, you have to remind everyone to do the same, especially if the senior loved one has co-morbidity. Also, like the in-home caregiver, remind everyone again to use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your unwashed hands. Simple things can make a big difference in the time of the pandemic. Wash your hands often if you care for an aging loved one, you must often wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also sing the Happy Birthday song to ensure your hands are clean. As the caregiver or a family member, you have to remind everyone to do the same, especially if the senior loved one has co-morbidity. Also, like the in-home caregiver, remind everyone again to use a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands. Simple things can make a big difference in the time of the pandemic.
Keep the senior loved ones involved
Studies suggest giving household tasks for elders like some home projects to keep them busy and less worried. They can go through and organize old memorabilia and photos and enjoy telling happy stories to their family at home. It could be an excellent time for them to display their cooking skills while staying at home. Or, they can listen to beautiful songs or watch their favorite movies streaming online.
Prepare a List of Emergency Contacts
Make them feel safe by assisting them in organizing a list of emergency contacts for them to contact in time of need. It will be helpful for them to input the speed dial. We must do our part to assist them in feeling safe and better manage the current situation.
Decide on a plan
If possible, let the senior loved one be involved in a discussion of how you will manage if someone in the family gets sick and the interruptions of daily routine. Discussing things at home in advance as a family can lessen stress and help everybody feel more ready and involved.
Choose an emergency contact
If you are the in-home caregiver, assign someone nearby whom you could call in to look after the elderly family member if you get sick.
Stock up
Gather one to three months of medicines and at least two weeks’ worth of food, over-the-counter medications, pet stocks, and other essentials. Find out which delivery services are available in your place.
Looking after our senior loved ones is one of the best things we can do for them. We can do a lot of things to make them feel safe and secure. At Clear Path Home Care Texas, we ensure the safety of your senior loved ones above all. We make sure that our caregivers have passed certain tests and wear proper protective equipment. We are an in-home care provider for you and your family.
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