COVID-19: How to Care for the Elderly in the Midst of the Coronavirus Crisis

coronavirus elderly caregiving covid-19

When it comes to the disease brought by the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19, the elderly are vulnerable. Global authorities on health, including the World Health Organization (WHO)  have stated that those who are elderly are more at risk of serious illnesses or complications brought by the coronavirus.

If you’re caring for an older loved one or elderly family member, this might make you worried and anxious. How do you care for them?

coronavirus elderly caregiving covid-19

Here are some tips to consider:

Keep yourself safe and well

As someone caring for an elderly, you should take all the necessary precautions to avoid becoming infected yourself. It all starts with the basics:

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do this before and after providing care to your elderly. Do this as well when you prepare food, before and after using the bathroom, and after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid crowds. Practice social distancing measures.
  • Practice coughing and sneezing etiquette. Avoid the spread of virus yourself by coughing or sneezing into the bend of your elbow or in a disposable tissue.
  • Avoid touching your face. If you’re used to doing this, now is the time to be mindful to keep your hands away from your face.
  • Make sure to always clean frequently touched surfaces in your home.
  • Clean mobility and medical equipment such as cane, walker or railings that are used by your elderly loved one. Make sure to sanitize them.

Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation

Limit in-person visits. While this may be tough when you’re used to having friends and family over on a regular basis, it’s a small price to pay during this time.

In fact, we have all kinds of technology that allows us to stay connected even when there’s social distancing and self-isolation measures in place. Therefore, social distancing doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated or lonely. You don’t have to be cut off from your social circle.

Encourage your elderly loved ones to stay connected with their friends or family through chat or video conferences. There are many platforms these days that allow you to do this.

  • Teach them how to use video chat using a smartphone, tablet or computer
  • Use apps that allow them to talk or chat or go on a video call
  • If necessary, use apps or assistive devices to help them understand or communicate better if they have hearing or vision challenges
  • Encourage your family members to get in touch online
  • Organize games and other activities that you can all safely engage in remotely

Minimize COVID-19 infection risk

  • Postpone doctor visits. If there are unnecessary checkups that can be postponed or avoided, choose to do it at a later time to avoid infection during this time. Instead, keep in touch with your doctor online or through phone.
  • Avoid travel. Put off non-essential travel that would potentially expose them to crowds.

Have a plan

Involve your elderly loved one on plans and measures on how to make the most of this situation while still staying safe and healthy. If necessary, draft a new routine that ensures you are both safe, healthy, and engaged while at the same time avoiding stress.

  • Go over your emergency contacts and update them to include your local health contacts
  • Stock up on essentials. Gather one to three months worth of medication. Stock up on at least two weeks’ worth of food, supplies, cleaning materials, and other essentials.
  • Check on delivery services. These days, there are many delivery services that allow you to have goods as well as fresh produce delivered to your doorstep.
  • Have a plan on what you will do if in case you have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19.

 

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