Helping the Elderly During Coronavirus

By Evelyn James

Just over two weeks ago, the UK government asked that the over 70s should self-quarantine at home for at least 12 weeks to reduce their chances of catching COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organisation, this group is at substantially higher risk of being hospitalised or falling critically ill because of the virus. Hence these protective steps were taken.

However, if you’re one of these people, life can feel especially challenging.

Like younger people, you’re isolated from the rest of the world. You are racked with worry about both catching the virus and what this will mean for the economy.

But unlike them, you can’t just pop to the shop for groceries or medication.

Food deliveries are hard to come by. Basic supplies such as toilet paper, bread and cleaning products are in short supply. Health and mobility issues might mean that you can’t get around as easily as you could when you were younger.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure that the older generations are getting the help and support that they need at this difficult time.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do just that.

###1 Offer to shop for groceries

Going grocery shopping is difficult for the elderly at the best of times, especially if they have mobility problems. But it has become even more challenging lately because of how vulnerable they are to coronavirus.

They’re also less able to stand in queues for long periods of time and food deliveries are harder to get than ever.

For these reasons, make sure you offer to buy food, cleaning supplies and toilet paper for any elderly people you know.

“Long-life food such as frozen ready meals, tinned vegetables and dry pasta is very easy to prepare into a nutritious meal,” say home care experts Helping Hands.

“Items such as chickpeas, lentils, pulses and frozen fish are full of nutritious proteins to help maintain muscle strength, which is especially important if they are unable to move around as often as they’d like.”

Remember the social distancing rules when you are shopping and when you deliver the groceries.

Leave their shopping on the doorstep, knock on the door or ring the bell then step back to make sure they get your ‘delivery’. Stay at least 2 metres away at all times to help keep them safe.

###2 Make sure they have enough medication

While it’s vital to make sure that older people have enough food, we shouldn’t forget that the majority of them regularly take medication too.

Like groceries, they might not be able to get to the pharmacy or even be aware that they need to stock up.

That’s why you should make sure that your elderly friends, neighbours or family members have what they need. Offer to help if they don’t. Remember to ask them about over the counter medicines as well as prescription medications to ensure they have enough.

Many pharmacies now have home delivery services that can help if you can’t physically be there.

###3 Help them take care of their mental health

“Older adults, especially in isolation and those with cognitive decline/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated and withdrawn during the outbreak or while in quarantine,” says the World Health Organisation in their guidance for mental health during the coronavirus.

That’s why it’s important for them to feel that they can share their concerns or worries with someone they can trust. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Again, those regular phone calls or video calls will make a big difference in how they feel.

Staying busy also plays an important role in mental health, especially with the uncertainty of this virus. “Ensuring you feel stimulated and have fun protects against loneliness and improves your general wellbeing,” says Red Cross loneliness lead Olivia Field.

Although the elderly can’t do exactly the same as younger people, there are still many ways they can stimulate their minds and stay positive. Here are a few things you can suggest.

● Stay as active as possible: Dancing, cleaning, going for walking around the garden and exercises tailored to their abilities can help.

● Remind them to do things they love: Activities such as DIY, gardening, cooking, reading can really help lift their spirits.

● Doing repetitive activities such as knitting, crochet and sewing can be very soothing, especially for those with dementia and can help keep arthritic hands supple.

● Get out into the garden: Fresh air and sunlight are great for mental and physical health.

● Consider a subscription to an online streaming service such as Netflix that allows them to watch their favourite shows.

● Encourage them to take up a new hobby: Activities like painting, drawing, origami and learning a new language can give a sense of hope and purpose. It’s never too late!

###4 Stay in touch

According to Age UK, there are as many as 3.8 million individuals over the age of 65 living alone in the UK. They’re also less likely to feel comfortable with the internet and the technology that’s keeping us connected during this difficult time.

This means they’re at even great risk of feeling isolated and lonely during the lockdown than those of us lucky enough to live with our partners or family.

However, thanks to modern technology, it’s easy to stay in touch and brighten their day.

A quick phone call can often be enough to help them feel valued and connected during these difficult times. It’s also worth setting up a rota with their friends and family to make sure they never feel alone and have contact with someone every day.

Don’t forget that we can still use the Royal Mail to stay in touch. Traditional forms of communication like handwritten letters, postcards and even small gifts will certainly bring a smile to their face.

###5 Provide reassurance

It’s easy for panic to take hold, especially for the older generation who tend to trust what they read and aren’t so aware of ‘fake news’.

Make sure they are aware of the facts and can rely on you to provide reassurance, especially if they are older or suffering from dementia.

Keep it as simple as possible, and only tell them what they need to know so you can avoid worrying them unnecessarily. Be open to any questions they might have and remind them that they can turn to you if they are feeling concerned.

It’s also essential that they don’t get too overwhelmed with the news. Suggest that they limit their exposure to just a few times per day.

By taking care of the most vulnerable in our society, we can help protect them from the coronavirus and allow them to live long, happy and healthy lives for many years to come. How could you help an older person near you?

Has any of this touched you? Please comment and share with friends and family

Author Bio

Evelyn James is an aspiring novelist who loves the Outdoors