At Senior Home Care by Angels, our home care services can help seniors throughout Canada adapt to everyday life during the coronavirus outbreak
In Canada and around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to change their way of life. Although the number of cases is declining in some areas, it’s spiking in others. Health experts continue to recommend taking precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding public gatherings. The goal is to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect older, more vulnerable individuals.
These changes can be unsettling for seniors, especially those with dementia. Senior Home Care by Angels offers home care services and advice to help your loved one adjust to the “new normal” during COVID-19.
Discuss Safety and Provide Assurance
Older adults with memory impairment might forget to follow safety precautions. They might have questions about wearing masks, limited visits with family and friends, or frequent hand washing. Masks can make it difficult to recognize familiar faces, which can increase confusion and uneasiness. Seniors might resist following safety rules they don’t understand. It’s important to remind seniors about safety precautions and utilize home care services when needed.
If your loved one seems resistant, calmly explain the reason for safety precautions. The virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing lower the risk of spreading the virus by person-to-person contact. Use strategies to enforce safety practices and ease stress. For example, show your loved one a photo of yourself without a mask or make a game out of washing your hands. Recall a memory of a family member who was ill and recovered.
Be honest with your older loved one about the risks of COVID-19, but don’t cause alarm. While it’s true those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for complications, it’s also true medical treatments are often successful. It’s normal for your loved one to worry. Stay calm when discussing the virus, and use phrases like, “We’re all in this together.” Assure them others are concerned for their health and safety.
Prepare for Public Outings
Eventually, it will become necessary to go out in public, either for a medical appointment or other essential errand. Ease the transition by describing what the trip will be like.
Before a doctor’s appointment, explain that he or she will have to wear a mask and the office staff will be wearing masks too. You’ll probably call the office from your car to report your arrival and perhaps wait in your car instead of the waiting room. Medical personnel might take your loved one’s temperature or require completion of a survey regarding symptoms. Upon returning home, explain that hand washing is a necessary safety precaution, especially after visiting public places.
Encourage Communication with Family and Friends
Separation from family and friends is difficult for all of us, but it’s especially tough for older adults. Before introducing others into your loved one’s “quarantine circle,” assess their risk factors and your comfort level with those risks. If the conditions are not right for socializing, explain why. Show your elder family member how to use social media or video technology to connect with others. Telephone calls are essential during this time.
Add Professional In-Home Care from Senior Home Care by Angels to Your Routine
Call upon a trusted caregiver from Senior Home Care by Angels to help your older loved one adjust to new routines, activities, and safety precautions during the pandemic.
Our home care services for the “new normal” can include:
- Taking precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing
- Patiently explaining safety protocols
- Watching for virus symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and fatigue
- Participating in activities such as walking and doing craft projects
- Assisting with technology to promote connection with family and friends through our Social Care program
- Ensuring your loved one’s daily routine is followed as closely as possible
- Running errands so your loved one can stay at home safely
- Assisting with transportation to appointments
If you're interested in learning more about professional home care services from Senior Home Care by Angels, contact your local office today.