According to the CDC, the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is higher among the elderly. As with any other type of disease, older people are more prone to complications because of their poor immune systems. We must care for our seniors and older people in these trying times. Here are some ideas on how you can improve their quality of life in the middle of a pandemic.
Maintain Social Distancing
Older people are not recommended to go outside unless it’s essential. However, we can help in protecting them by maintaining our physical distancing. Follow safety measures such as always wearing your mask while you are with your elder. Avoid physical engagement at all costs, but physical distancing does not necessarily mean social isolation. If you have any virus symptoms, it would be best to stay away, quarantine yourself immediately, and seek medical help. You can still check in on them using technology like cell phones. Their life during a pandemic will be harder than before.
Offer a helping hand.
Since older people can’t go outside that much, you can always offer them help. You can run errands for them, such as groceries, getting their prescription medicines, and other essentials that they might need. Remember to disinfect the items before you hand them over to them, as they might contain the virus. You can also offer to deliver a letter from them to their friends. If you plan to prepare food for them, ensure everything is completely sanitized before giving it to them. Always wash your hands, especially inside the elder’s residence. You can also try to teach them about online shopping and cashless payments, so their contact with the outside world will be limited. You can set up an emergency contact number in their speed dial and other emergency hotlines. Elders are usually subjected to regular checkups to maintain their health. However, avoid going to any clinic or hospital if it’s not an emergency case. Instead, use the teleconsultation many doctors have offered since the virus broke out.
Keep them involved with your lives.
Older people cherish the times with their friends and family, but staying connected with them during the pandemic will be challenging. Social isolation can also hurt everyone’s mental health. Regularly check in on them and share your life happenings to feel more appreciated. Talk about your work and how your day went. Remind them of their medicines and eat healthily. Be gentle with them as most elderly are sensitive. Having long patience and understanding will make them feel loved and supported. Be careful in delivering bad news, especially if it involves Covid-19. If your elders are not used to using technology, you can write them notes and letters instead. Give them updates about the outside world.
Assisted Living
If you have an elderly living far away from you and know that helping them with their daily lives would be difficult, consider assisted living. This way, you can be sure your elder will be in good hands. Trained staff and personnel will take care of them, and their needs and necessities will be handled for them as there will be staff they can contact at any time. You don’t have to worry about your elders drinking their medicines on time because there will be someone who knows their schedule. A clinic will be available on-site, as well as other services that will help them further. They will have a community along with the other older adults, and they will not feel isolated.
Small social gatherings, prayer meetings, fitness groups, book classes, and many more will be. Contact with the outside world is strictly limited to prevent the spread of the virus. All staff is trained to follow safety precautions as well as regular sanitation. They will be able to live the rest of their lives in comfort. The Covid-19 pandemic has surely made our lives harder. With over 200,000 deaths in the U.S alone, this must be a living nightmare, especially with the elders. During times of uncertainty and crisis such as this one, we must work on this together as a community. Nobody knows when this will be finished, and nobody can predict that, but it does not mean that every one of us has to go through hardships alone.
