Loading ...Caring for Older Adults During the Corona Pandemic
Alongside those who suffer from severe underlying conditions, older adults are the most vulnerable at developing a severe or even a deadly form of COVID-19. If you are caring for an older adult in these difficult times, here is a list of things that the experts recommend that you do.
Make sure you are well
If you interact with elderly patients regularly, you have to take precautions so that you avoid getting infected. For instance, it is recommended that you wash your hands regularly and that you avoid crowds. Also, whenever you sneeze, you have to do so into a disposable tissue or the bend of your elbow.
To avoid spreading the virus, you must take the time to clean and disinfect the surfaces that are frequently touched in the home, including the medical equipment that the senior uses. If you are interested in the subject, you can read this comparison on knee walker scooters.
Use technology
Social distancing should not be perceived as a recommendation for self-isolation. Because they no longer have the possibility to meet with friends and family, the elderly tend to feel lonely during this pandemic.
To help them feel more involved, you can use your phone to show them how to use video chat apps as a way to get in touch with their loved ones.
If you do not live close to your parents, or if you do not want to visit them and risk infecting them, you have to take the time to keep in touch with them as often as possible. By calling them regularly, you can make sure that they are feeling fine and that they do not get too bored throughout the day.
Try to keep them involved
To pass the time more easily, you can also think of activities that the elderly people in your care can do to feel more involved. For example, you can help them organize their photos in new photo albums, or you can help them sort through their memorabilia.
As you do so, it is important that you let them share their stories from their youth as this will take their minds off the current situation. To make them open up more, you should ask leading questions, as this will help them speak more openly.
If possible, try to also engage them to talk about COVID-19. Instead of seeing this topic as a taboo that should never be spoken of, it is vital that you allow the seniors to talk about their feelings on the matter. Doing so is beneficial for them as they will most likely feel less stressed and anxious.
To avoid making them panic, be sure to reassure them that everything will be ok provided that everybody follows the hygiene and the social distancing policies.
Thank them
Many elderly citizens do not understand the risks that they expose themselves and others when they go out. As a result, they might get frustrated and angry when they find out that they cannot go to their weekly bingo club meeting or that they can’t go shopping as often, and this is entirely understandable.
Given the uniqueness of this situation and the sacrifices that they have to make, you should take the time to thank them for their decision to stay home. Framing the terms of this limitation as a sign of gratitude, and not an order, is much more effective and it will make the person feel like he/she is part of the big team of people who help stop the spread of the virus.
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