Taking care of your elders during the pandemic can be difficult if you do not opt for the right home isolation treatment plans. Not offering the right kind of support might waste all the effort that you placed in their care before the pandemic.
Hence it is vital to understand how you can continue to provide the same level of effort and support to your loved ones, while we go through COVID-19 pandemic. Your elders might need your help more than ever, now that going out is not as usual as it used to be.
Here are some tips to help your elders out during pandemic.
Socialize
While we endure this pandemic together, it is crucial to keep in contact with your elders. Since they cannot go out even a little bit due to the dangers of getting contracted with the COVID-19 virus, it is optimal to contact them whenever you can.
There are multiple methods you can use, just a simple phone call might be enough for them, but you can also utilize video calls or WhatsApp messages to stay in touch.
Leave notes for them whenever you must move out of the house for some errands or work. This is important so they are aware that you are out doing something important. This will keep them from worrying too much.
Another great way to socialize with elders that live around you is to cook a meal or two for them and leave it outside their door with a note. This is a great gesture to indicate that you are here for them and are looking out.
It would help if you used a disposable container for packaging the food. Sanitize the food container before you hand it over to the elders. It is also essential that you inform them that you are coming to meet them ahead of time, do not startle them by surprising them unwantedly.
Daily Errands
It was hard for elders to move around when there was no pandemic; it is much harder now with all the restrictions. Therefore, it would be of great help if you can run some errands for the elders. This can include getting at least some of the essential things that they need every day, like food items for breakfast, fruits, and such.
Ask them if they need help with grocery and make a list with their help. Visit the store and try to get all the items from the list without risking your safety as well. You can never be too careless since this virus spreads with contact, you must keep yours and others safety in mind.
Further, it will also be helpful if you can get the medical supplies for the elders. Check how much stock the elders might have and purchase them accordingly so that they won’t need it for a significant amount of time. Either stay in contact with them or ensure their nurse or caretaker is in touch with them to remind them of their daily doses.
Keep them Connected
Most elders might not know how to operate smartphones properly; if you have some time, try to teach them how video chats can be a great experience with their loved ones.
Social Distancing
When it comes to social distancing, you must understand the difference between keeping distancing and isolating them. Try to keep the visits to a minimum and don’t forget to explain why social distancing is essential.
Additionally, don’t forget to make them aware of COVID-19 health checkup packages that are specifically built to help elders during the pandemic.
