The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new and challenging layer to being a family caregiver to an older adult. Because seniors are among the most vulnerable for serious cases of the virus, it’s important for family caregivers to take some extra steps to protect their aging relatives. Below are 4 things family caregivers can do during the pandemic to help their loved one to get through it.
#1: Take Care of Yourself
When family caregivers stay healthy, they can continue to care for their aging relatives. Therefore, it’s important for caregivers to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus, too. Some ways to protect yourself are:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in public.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
#2: Help Seniors to Stay Connected
Having to stay at home and being unable to visit with friends and family members can be lonely and difficult. They are likely to miss the time they normally spent with others. Social distancing doesn’t have to cause seniors to feel isolated. Family caregivers can help them to find ways to stay connected to the people they care about. For example, consider spending a morning helping the senior to write cards or letters to send. Or, show them how to use social media. If the senior normally goes to a place of worship, they may be able to access online services that family caregivers can help them to view.
#3: Keep Older Adults Busy
Knowing that a virus is out there that could make them quite ill can cause older adults to worry and experience excess stress. To keep them from dwelling on the virus, try to keep them busy with activities. Encourage them to take up a new hobby or spend additional time working on one. Invite them to cook or bake with you. Play some games. Read together. Sign them up for an online class to learn a new skill.
#4: Talk the Elderly About How to Protect Themselves
If you’re concerned that your aging relative isn’t doing what they need to in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus, don’t be afraid to talk to them about it. Remind them that washing their hands is more important than ever right now. Also, advise them to avoid physical contact with others when they are in public, such as at the grocery store. In addition, remind them to sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow instead of in their hands, which can spread germs.
Sources
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-caregiving-for-the-elderly
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Broadview, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
