At long last, we have reached the point at which we can hope to leave the uncertainty we faced throughout the year 2020 behind us. The prospect of the world bringing the pandemic under control seems realistic, as long as we remain careful and continue to take certain precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. Although it is far from over, we are in a better place than we were a year ago. Easier access to personalized home care in Cheviot Hills and other areas can also significantly contribute to the quality of life of seniors across the LA County region.
But what are the key takeaways from the pandemic? What does it mean for the senior population?
Is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our mental health?
One can argue that the pandemic has changed Americans of all ages and that will life may never be completely the same again. Some have picked up valuable lessons from the experience, while others may have bitter memories of the whole period.
But how has the pandemic affected seniors? Aside from the obvious damage to the physical health in those who have contracted but managed to overcome the virus, being under lockdown and forced into isolation has taken a toll on seniors’ mental health.
What can be done to help the elderly during the coronavirus disease pandemic?
Individuals with pre-existing mental, neurological or other conditions, which is often the case with the elderly population, may be more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection and they may face a higher risk of severe outcomes. But now that vaccination is underway and the pandemic seems to be more manageable, we all feel more at ease and safer going about our daily lives and adjusting to the new normal which is beginning to resemble the life before the pandemic.
Still, for seniors and the elderly, there is still a risk that the situation may take an unexpected turn for the worse and that they will once again be deprived of the possibility to engage in normal, healthy social interactions and other activities.
Seniors across the country face similar challenges that had been there long before the pandemic, especially among the newly retired. But the pandemic has further isolated seniors from the rest of the community. It is therefore for friends and family to discuss these issues openly with their senior loved ones and be mindful of the following:
Seniors living alone at home often face unmet needs, but professional senior care providers can help close that gap.
Now more than ever, aging individuals need mental health and psychosocial support.
If the pandemic has taught us anything in terms of senior care, it is how valuable any programs which enable seniors to stay in their homes are, and that staying out of long-term care facilities is often in the best interest of seniors across the country.
Inability to connect with family and loved ones was one of the key challenges for most seniors during the pandemic and isolation has also been a barrier for quality senior care during COVID-19.
In addition to the risk of the disease itself, there are the lingering effects of the pandemic to cope with, especially for those who have lost a loved one to it.
Helping seniors become more savvy and confident about using and communicating through technology is a simple and effective way to help them cope with the pandemic and help them feel less isolated.
Tailored senior home care in Cheviot Hills and other LA communities
Seniors need a connection with their loved ones, and when that is not an option, caregivers are there to step in and help out. Explore flexible senior home care plans for senior residents of Venice and the surrounding areas of LA and LA County. When seniors have their basic care such as housekeeping and meals taken care of, they are in a better position to enjoy living as a healthy, independent adult. At A Better Way in Home Care, we work hard to continually improve seniors’ access to quality in-home care. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us anytime.
Seniors in the United States now live longer than ever before and the quality of life for American seniors is better than ever before. What’s more, many senior adults happily reach their senior years without any serious health concerns. And it just so happens that early retirement could further increase lifespan.
A large portion of the senior population is capable of living independently or with some assistance. Some choose to move to a retirement home or a less traditional alternative such as a retirement community, others to downsize, but often the preferred option for seniors across the country is to continue living in their own homes. On top of that, LA seniors have easier access to homecare in Cheviot Hills and other communities across the city of Los Angeles.
So what are some reasons to consider early retirement and how can you help your senior loved one adjust to their new way of life?
What are good reasons to retire?
If a person has spent a lifetime focusing on their career, they may eventually become fed up with workplace stress and burnout, and ready for a radical change. Seniors may opt for early retirement for a number of other reasons, depending on personal circumstances:
Stable financial standing
Ability to enjoy life and explore new possibilities such as pursuing old passions or taking up new hobbies
Now that work is no longer the focal point, things are much more flexible and there is less pressure to deal with. But many seniors have a hard time adapting because they are used to being productive and feel useless once they retire. To help a senior adjust to retirement, consider the following options:
Be prepared for the retiree to go through a broad spectrum of emotions: happiness, confusion, anxiety, boredom
Help them adopt healthy coping mechanisms
Recommend engaging activities for a more fulfilling retirement routine, such as growing their friendships and expanding their social circle or adopting a pet from the local animal shelter
Help them set small goals like spending every Saturday with their grandchildren or taking a roadtrip on a monthly basis
Look for convenient part-time jobs such as mentoring young people or volunteering opportunities such as tutoring kids in the area
Help them create a realistic long-term budget
Take advantage of technology: The internet has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives, and seniors are no exception. With the help of user-friendly technology, retirees can easily keep in touch with their family and friends or even learn new skills.
How long does it take to adjust to retirement?
Each person is different. For some, the first few months of retirement is an exciting time of newfound freedom and thrilling opportunities, for others, it is a source of stress, frustration, anxiety and a difficult period of psychological adjustment. All this may also depend on what other changes retirement involves.
Living in an intimate, tight-knit community surrounded by friendly neighbors is the ideal scenario we all imagine as the life we will lead as we age, but for many seniors, this is not a realistic scenario. Some retired seniors may need to or choose to downsize and relocate to reduce their costs of living.
A caregiver can help ease the transition for new retirees if family members are not around, especially for those retirees who have recently downsized for the purpose of cutting down their expenses.
Personalized homecare solutions in Cheviot Hills and areas across LA
Access to quality senior care from the comfort of one’s home, especially in the light of the ongoing pandemic, can make a huge difference in a person’s life. If you want to make sure your recently retired parent enjoys a healthy, fulfilled life and an independent lifestyle in Venice or other parts of LA, we can help you make it happen.
The caregiver we refer offer a full continuum of care for seniors and we can work out an arraignment that works best for you and that best accommodates seniors’ changing needs. Let us help you overcome the challenges of coordinating your senior loved one’s care. For more details on the services offered by our referred caregivers, contact us anytime.
