Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic has changed each of our lives, and the elderly community must handle their health with even more intention during these times. Did you know that the CDC recommends that all people over 60 stay at home for their health? They also recommend that all care facilities and senior centers close to visitors, due to supporting evidence that contraction of the virus increases significantly with age. Though social distancing and staying at home is essential for everyone in this current state, it can lead to feeling isolated and lonely, both of which negatively affects mental and physical health. Here are few ways to connect with others while staying at a safe distance.
Stay connected with the ones you love.
Chat face to face, but virtually! Skype, Zoom and Facetime are apps that work on laptops, phones and tablets that allow you to see each other as you talk. This is one way to connect with your grandkids! If this technology seems troublesome, then stick with a traditional phone call. Another alternative is to become pen-pals with family members, writing them a letter to show them you care. This is a great option if your loved one is hard of hearing. Share specific things you remember about your loved one, so they can reminisce as they read. For members suffering from dementia and who are living in a care facility, this time can be particularly confusing, so one option is to send photos of them with family and friends, writing the names and dates on the back.
Get active and continue practicing your daily routines.
A body in motion stays in motion. Take a nature walk, keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines. Begin yoga or Tai Chi – follow along with videos that YouTube offers for free. Set a time with a friend and do the same activity “together.” Continue living your daily life as best as possible. Routine is key – wake up, hydrate, get dressed, eat breakfast. Breathe in some fresh air a few times each day. Family time is crucial, so plan a “long distance” dinner together, again, using a video-chat app like FaceTime or Skype.
Keep an eye on your news intake.
Staying informed is necessary to know the guidelines as they are change, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Check the news once or twice a day – this applies to social media too. Always check sources, as misinformation can float around the internet and social media.
Show that you’re keeping them in mind – send care packages.
This pandemic provides an opportunity for healthy younger individuals in the community to help the elderly access essential products and supplies. Sending a care package can help relieve stress and anxiety. These packages may include non-perishable food items like canned soups, pasta, nut butters and hard-to-find items like toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Keeping the mind sharp is just as important as a healthy body, so include puzzles, games and books. Flower seeds or plants along with everything they need for a small kitchen herb garden too! Give a call to let them know they should be expecting a package, and drop it by their porch or mail it.
Take part in online events.
Walk through museums from the comfort of your living room, with the virtual tours that many now provide. Want to learn how to play the guitar? Fender is giving free online lessons to help during this time. Many spiritual services are offered to lift your mood. Stay positive!
Seek in-home care.
If you or a loved one need help with daily tasks such as sanitizing surfaces in your home, light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, medication reminders, prescription and grocery pickup, consider Assisting Hands® Home Care. Our staff of caregivers are trained in coronavirus protocol and can provide safe in-home care, while minimizing your risk of exposure.
It is more important than ever to support one another. We realize that our elderly community is the most resilient and has been deeply impacted by this pandemic. It’s also important to give yourself grace at this time, recognizing that you have done your part to help yourself and others stay safe— in mind, body and spirit —and continue these strong connections.
Important Reminder: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before writing a letter, card, or sending gifts. If you are sending a care package to a loved one in a care facility, please be sure to call ahead and ask about their policies.
Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic has changed each of our lives, and the elderly community must handle their health with even more intention during these times. Did you know that the CDC recommends that all people over 60 stay at home for their health? They also recommend that all care facilities and senior centers close to visitors, due to supporting evidence that contraction of the virus increases significantly with age. Though social distancing and staying at home is essential for everyone in this current state, it can lead to feeling isolated and lonely, both of which negatively affects mental and physical health. Here are few ways to connect with others while staying at a safe distance.
Stay connected with the ones you love.
Chat face to face, but virtually! Skype, Zoom and Facetime are apps that work on laptops, phones and tablets that allow you to see each other as you talk. This is one way to connect with your grandkids! If this technology seems troublesome, then stick with a traditional phone call. Another alternative is to become pen-pals with family members, writing them a letter to show them you care. This is a great option if your loved one is hard of hearing. Share specific things you remember about your loved one, so they can reminisce as they read. For members suffering from dementia and who are living in a care facility, this time can be particularly confusing, so one option is to send photos of them with family and friends, writing the names and dates on the back.
Get active and continue practicing your daily routines.
A body in motion stays in motion. Take a nature walk, keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines. Begin yoga or Tai Chi – follow along with videos that YouTube offers for free. Set a time with a friend and do the same activity “together.” Continue living your daily life as best as possible. Routine is key – wake up, hydrate, get dressed, eat breakfast. Breathe in some fresh air a few times each day. Family time is crucial, so plan a “long distance” dinner together, again, using a video-chat app like FaceTime or Skype.
Keep an eye on your news intake.
Staying informed is necessary to know the guidelines as they are change, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Check the news once or twice a day – this applies to social media too. Always check sources, as misinformation can float around the internet and social media.
Show that you’re keeping them in mind – send care packages.
This pandemic provides an opportunity for healthy younger individuals in the community to help the elderly access essential products and supplies. Sending a care package can help relieve stress and anxiety. These packages may include non-perishable food items like canned soups, pasta, nut butters and hard-to-find items like toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Keeping the mind sharp is just as important as a healthy body, so include puzzles, games and books. Flower seeds or plants along with everything they need for a small kitchen herb garden too! Give a call to let them know they should be expecting a package, and drop it by their porch or mail it.
Take part in online events.
Walk through museums from the comfort of your living room, with the virtual tours that many now provide. Want to learn how to play the guitar? Fender is giving free online lessons to help during this time. Many spiritual services are offered to lift your mood. Stay positive!
Seek in-home care.
If you or a loved one need help with daily tasks such as sanitizing surfaces in your home, light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, medication reminders, prescription and grocery pickup, consider Assisting Hands® Home Care Livingston. Our staff of caregivers are trained in coronavirus protocol and can provide safe in-home care, while minimizing your risk of exposure.
It is more important than ever to support one another. We realize that our elderly community is the most resilient and has been deeply impacted by this pandemic. It’s also important to give yourself grace at this time, recognizing that you have done your part to help yourself and others stay safe— in mind, body and spirit —and continue these strong connections.
Important Reminder: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before writing a letter, card, or sending gifts. If you are sending a care package to a loved one in a care facility, please be sure to call ahead and ask about their policies.
