For many elderly people, they are already unable to leave the house so these times of pandemic inciting us to stay home is nothing new. However, even for the illest members of our society, a little variety and socialization are always pleasant.
It is terrifying to think of carrying the disease into your home, but not to worry. Use these six tips to give your elderly friends or loved ones a sense of comfort in these uncertain times. These are the top CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) sponsored tips to give your elderly dependents the best care possible.
1. Find out About a Long Term Care Facility’s Precautions
source: huffpost.com
During this current pandemic crisis, the CDC’s recommendations are constantly changing. One thing that you can do is call or contact the long term care facility and see what precautions they have in place to keep residents safe. Nursing homes and similar facilities are uniquely prepared to deal with this pandemic, already having stringent hygiene practices in place. It has been all over the news how miniature outbreaks are occurring in nursing homes, but in these trying times, the best course of action might be to stay put.
2. Keep Their Mind Active
source: charterhomehealth.net
It may seem like the world has stopped, but it is only the world outside of you. It is still really important to keep your mind limber and flexible. If you have elderly people in your home, try playing games with them, compete to finish a puzzle, or help them meditate. Not only will this help elderly people to stay alert, but it will get everyone’s mind off of the scary things that are happening outside. Another great thing to do is keep up a constant stream of conversations, asking frequent questions and making them constantly think. Coronavirus has a terrible effect on the body, but so do age-induced dementia.
3. Make Sure You Stay Connected
source: pbs.org
These are very uncertain times, so it’s of paramount importance that you always be within reach, even when you go for provisions. Keep in touch with loved ones across the globe from the safety of your home. Keep phones charged and ready for something bad to happen. Stay in contact with loved ones around the globe through a reliable internet connection, and stay inform ed about their health. If an elderly family cannot go and see them, the very least you can do is make communication a little easier.
4. Give A Schedule
source: assistinghands.com
Make a schedule for your home, for everyone to follow. This will keep a sense of order in your life, and encourage everyone to pitch in for the good of the household. You can add anything to the schedule that you make, including chores, mealtimes, and even scheduled family game times. It will not only make your daily routines more fun, but it can really be beneficial to the thought processes of the less stimulated people among us. You can make a fun tangible chart for your schedule, or it can be a mental exercise for your house. Either way, it has a slew of benefits for everyone involved.
5. Help Them Get Around
source: assistinghands.com
This pandemic, the period of isolation seems to be interminable, but you must keep in mind that it will end. To get your elderly loved one prepared for a world that is opening up again try to get them a medical scooter. For those for whom walking around is a challenge, learning to use a medical scooter can give them a new lease on life. It may be a bit of a learning curve, understanding how to use them and use them well, but it will serve them in good stead in the near future.
6. Take Care of Yourself
source: homecareassistanceplano.com
When taking care of others, it can be really easy to neglect yourself. Self-care is even more important now than it ever has been. Even if it is just turning your bathroom into a home spa, it is important not to burn yourself out by taking care of someone else. By also taking care of yourself, you can do an even better job caring for others.
Even when we are living in normal times, with the hustle and bustle always whizzing around us, taking care of our elderly society members is so important. If you find yourself taking care of someone at these times, these six tips at Live Enhanced are designed to keep everyone healthy and happy and as safe as they can be. Remember, even if you are overwhelmed right now, there are many organizations that can offer you a little help, even if it is from a remote location. Keep calm, and take care of elderly friends or loved ones, even if you just ask them if they need anything when you are on your way out the door. Visit Oxa Care if you’d like to know more about aged care.
