COVID-19 and the Elderly: FAQ
The COVID-19 situation and the resulting lockdown and quarantine has changed our day-to-day lives in many ways. We now need to be more careful than ever before and think all our actions through if we want to protect ourselves and those around us. Now more than ever before, our actions could have serious consequences. This applies especially to the elderly population. But if we are adamant about following the guidelines from health authorities, we can protect and potentially save the lives of our elderly loved ones.
In some ways, not much has changed for those among us who have elderly parents but live far away or haven’t got enough time to assist them as often as they need us to: we are looking for effective alternative ways to help maintain or raise their quality of life. For valuable insight and information about Brentwood homecare for seniors, the position of the elderly during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and to what you can do for your elderly parents, read on.
Is it safe for me to visit my elderly parents?
By now, we are used to the usual drill: from washing our hands immediately upon coming home after spending time outside to maintaining a reasonable distance from other people at all times. The pandemic has taught us that we need to change our usual routine if we want to stay safe and keep those around us safe and healthy.
To minimize risk of COVID-19 infection, your elderly loved ones should postpone any non-essential trips outside, even doctor appointments. This means that you may want to avoid seeing your elderly loved ones for the time being. If this is not possible, try to see them outdoors and do your best to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. There are plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities for quality time you can spend with your loved ones, so why take your chances seeing them at home?
Should I visit my elderly loved ones during lockdown?
It may seem at first that things haven’t changed much for members of the elderly population who were used to being confined to their homes even before the pandemic. But whether your elderly loved one used to sit in front of the TV all day long or lead an active lifestyle and spend lots of time running errands, socializing and being outdoors, one thing is certain: the lockdown can have potentially devastating consequences on their health and wellbeing.
It’s important for your elderly loved ones not to feel abandoned. Instead of visiting, focus on phone and video calls.
Can I bring food and other supplies to my elderly loved ones?
You can bring the food and other household items to your eldelry loved one, but you may want to avoid direct contact in doing so. If you want to be absolutely certain they are not in danger of contracting the virus, you can just leave the groceries at their front door, so they can disinfect each item after taking them inside.
You can also delegate grocery shopping and trips to the pharmacy to a professional caregiver.
Another method to handle grocery shopping is to order online and have the items delivered to their doorstep through a reliable delivery service you are certain follows the latest government measures and guidelines.
How do I care for the elderly during lockdown?
The elderly are used to having their little routines and they will, without a doubt, have difficulty adapting to change. That is why you need to care for them as best as you can.
Here are some recommendations to get you started:
- Keep in touch
Check in on your elderly loved ones, by phone, online, by post or in person.
- Hire a caregiver
If you are not in the position to do so yourself, hire a caregiver to check in on your elderly loved ones and offer their support and assistance.
- Run errands on their behalf
Now is the worst time for seniors to go outside for shopping, trips to the pharmacy and other errands. Running errands is included in caregiver services: the caregiver can step in and take this off your hands.
- Keep your elderly loved ones active and engaged
Explore ideas for wholesome activities your elderly loved ones can take part in.
- Encourage your elderly loved ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle
This is the number one priority for seniors at the moment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle means having a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. This, too, is where a professional caregiver can be most helpful, even play a crucial role.
Let’s work together to keep your elderly loved ones safe and sound
During these challenging times, Brentwood homecare for seniors is a godsend. It’s up to us to help guard the collective wisdom of our society and protect the elderly in our midst. Our role here at A Better Way in Home Care is to empower our clients during these difficult times and help them cope with the novel coronavirus situation and the resulting lockdown and lifestyle changes. We can introduce you to a competent, compassionate caregiver in Mandeville Canyon or elsewhere in the Brentwood neighborhood who can and will care for your elderly loved one when you cannot. As always, we’re in this together, so call today!