COVID-19 and the Elderly: How Do I Protect My Elderly Parents?

It is the elderly in any community who are usually the most vulnerable, which is why they need our constant and consistent support, care and attention, even at the best of times. But the global threat of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caught the majority of us completely off guard has affected people of all ages, all over the world. Now more than ever, the elderly in our midst need our help and protection. It’s up to the rest of us, including the providers of  Brentwood senior homecare, to step up.

What can you do to ensure your elderly parents are fully protected and safe in their homes? If you’re looking for answers to questions about the elderly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, look no further and read on.

Who is most at risk for the coronavirus disease?

When it comes to the novel coronavirus disease, the groups most at risk of complications and a fatal outcome are older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions. Because the elderly around us often belong to both of these categories, the risk is twice as high. 

In other words, we need to minimize the detrimental effect of the pandemic and our elderly parents’ risk of exposure. We also need to protect our elderly loved ones from the ever-growing panic and exposure to the media, as this, too, can affect our elderly loved ones’ mental and physical health. Regardless of how long the pandemic-induced lockdown continues, it will probably be followed by an inevitable surge in loneliness, depression and anxiety in the elderly. 

What preventative measures can I take against the coronavirus disease?

If your elderly parents already suffer from a medical condition, chances are you are already taking precautionary measures, but now is the time to step up those precautions and adopt long-term changes. If your elderly loved ones are over 65, they probably don’t need you to remind them that it would be best for them to self-isolate. 

What you can do is minimize their risk of contracting the virus by minimizing contact on your part, especially if you are in no position to self-isolate as well. Luckily, there are always alternative ways to keep your elderly loved ones active and busy so they don’t feel cut off.

How do you reduce risks to your elderly parents’ health?

It is obvious that staying at home is the safest preventative measure. But just because you’ve minimized the risk that your elderly loved one may catch the virus does not mean that there aren’t other health risks to worry about. For one thing, not being able to soak up the sun can have devastating consequences.

• Stock up on supplies for your parents. Don’t overdo it: no need to hoard supplies like there’s no tomorrow. Still, if they have enough groceries and household supplies at home, they will feel more comfortable.
• Maintaining a supply of their prescription medication in case of quarantine.
• The risk that your aging parents might develop depression or anxiety is also higher than ever. Try to keep them engaged, preferably away from the television.
• The pandemic may be frightening and the risk your elderly loved ones may catch the virus may be high, but that’s no reason for life to stop. If you cannot visit, call them frequently or, better yet, hire a caregiver to visit your aging parents on your behalf. Not having to leave the house can reduce the risk for your elderly loved ones to a considerable extent. Caregivers are capable of handling everything from light housekeeping and meal preparation to grocery shopping and going to the pharmacy, all while following COVID-19  precautionary measures to protect themselves and your elderly loved one.

We can help keep your loved ones out of harm’s way

We know it’s intimidating to be facing a threat from the ongoing pandemic and be powerless to do anything about it, especially if you fear not for your own safety but for the safety of those you love. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to make rational decisions and join hands with professionals in the field of Brentwood senior homecare. Together, we can take meaningful action in the best interest of your elderly loved ones living in Brentwood Circle or elsewhere in the neighborhood.

This is a time for our community to stay strong and united, and that matches the vision of A Better Way in Home Care. Call today and find out what we can do for you and your elderly loved one.