Years after the COVID-19 outbreak has been announced by the World Health Organization, the world is still grappling with the virus and its many variants.

One thing is for sure, however. Older people are some of the most vulnerable sectors when it comes to severe illness and complications brought by the coronavirus. There have been research that show adults 60 years old and above are severely impacted. Those with preexisting medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, and cancer, are more likely to have severe effects. They are also more likely to have deadly complications from the virus.

If you are a family caregiver providing care and support for your elderly loved ones, this may be a source of stress and worry.

Below are some tips to consider to protect yourself and older people in your care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Keep yourself well and healthy

As a caretaker of elderly people, you must also take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming infected and ultimately infecting others.

• Wash your hands. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, getting in contact with the elderly or other people, preparing food, using the bathroom, and touching surfaces especially in public places.
• Avoid crowds.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a disposable tissue and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, or sanitize your hands with alcohol.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Clean frequently any touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs and railings. Do the same with elderly people’s medical equipment.
• Wear a mask properly. Double mask if you’re in a public area.

Practice physical distancing during COVID-19 pandemic

Limit in-person visits. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. At this time, it’s best to make use of technology to keep yourself connected with your loved ones. Even if you can’t be with them physically, make use of virtual meetings or video calls to socialize and engage with other people.

This can be said also with the elderly, who may also feel lonely and isolated at this time. Let them feel engaged and less isolated by allowing them time to socialize virtually with their family and friends.

• Show elderly people how to use social media to keep themselves updated with loved ones and friends
• Teach them how to video chat using a smart phone, tablet, or computer
• Use apps to assist those with hearing problems
• Encourage friends and family outside your household to engage in activities to keep seniors socializing

Organize engaging activities

The predictability and tedium or being at home only for extended periods of time can take a toll on you and your older adult. Give older adults activities or a project so that they have something to look forward to everyday. This will also give them a sense of purpose and, when done, a sense of accomplishment.

You can organize photos, put together family recipes, or even cook together, as well as schedule game nights. It’s up to you to organize activities that your elderly adult will love.

Minimize Exposure Risk

Postpone unnecessary visits to friends or family members, or even to doctors. Instead schedule online consultations.

Keep in mind that older people are at a higher risk of getting sick and complications due to COVID-19, so it’s best to forgo face to face interactions.

Make sure to also put off any non-essential travel that would expose elderly people to crowds.

Have a Plan

Make sure to have a plan for when your elderly loved ones get sick. Also, make sure you also have a plan if ever you, as a caregiver, would get sick. Talk these plans through with the rest of your family so that everyone is more involved and prepared.

Stock up on one to three months’ worth of medications. Have at least two weeks’ worth of food; longer for canned and dried food and grains. Make sure to also have the number of your emergency contacts and delivery services handy.