Living at home with older adults can be difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking care of parents or grandparents can be a tedious task, no matter how willing we might care for them. We have our daily tasks to think about, such as remote working and teaching our kids at home. However, it is still important to set aside time for the seniors to keep them happy during the quarantine period.
For many families, home care might be needed to assist in taking care of adults in their golden years. As you work from home while dealing with kids running around the house, a home health care solution could take some of the burden off your hands. It is a great investment that can help your family achieve a better quality of life amid this crisis.
Many senior citizens have specific needs in terms of lifestyle and medical concerns. Depending on the senior adult’s health condition, there might be certain things that need constant attention. Apart from the medical aspect of caring for senior adults, they also have family needs. As their family, you have to learn how to manage your time to provide for their emotional needs.
Senior Health
While restrictions these days have been slowly loosening up due to the rollout of vaccines, it is still smart to be cautious at all times. Senior adults are still at a higher risk of contracting the virus, so these citizens and their families should know the protocols and safety measures that need to be taken to avoid the virus.
It has been observed that older adults such as those aged 60 and above are at a higher risk of severe illness. This includes potential hospitalization, intensive care, and even fatal conditions. Having certain medical conditions also puts senior adults at a higher risk.
Even when you spend time at home, you have to follow safety protocols as much as possible. Keep a safe distance between older adults and household members who are often assigned for essential errands. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or sanitize with alcohol if soap is not available. Avoid touching your face, and make sure that you frequently clean high-touch surfaces at home.
If you think you may have been exposed to someone with the virus, contact your healthcare provider immediately for assistance.
Self-care for Seniors
Senior adults of the household may have been locked in at home to keep them safe, but family members should keep in mind that these adults also need to practice self-care. Here are some self-care methods for senior adults during this time.
Connecting with others is important for maintaining good mental health for senior adults. Help them with technology such as using a smartphone or a laptop in communicating with friends and family who are far from your home.
Relaxation time is essential for seniors. Try aromatherapy or practice controlled breathing for a few minutes each day. These practices will help them lower their stress levels during this difficult time.
You can also offer them new books to read during their spare time. Stimulating their brain will also help in reducing stress while learning something new.
Part of their self-care routine should be to stay informed with the latest updates on news about the COVID-19 pandemic. Being informed can help them stay objective and calm about the current situation and help prevent unnecessary panic.
It is important to be mindful of the self-care methods that senior adults can adopt. Self-care is an essential part of coping with the current situation, and being familiar with the various methods will help them manage their daily activities better.
Self-care for Caregivers
No matter how much you love your parents and grandparents, taking care of senior adults can take its toll on your mind and body. It can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so you also need to find effective self-care measures for yourself. Here are some ideas to help you cope with your caregiving tasks.
Make sure you eat well and sleep enough every day. A healthy diet will fuel your body properly to get you through your tasks. A good night’s sleep will help heal your body and keep it strong.
Find an online support group among your friends and family. This will allow you to share experiences while maintaining your social circle.
Breath awareness can also contribute to lower stress levels each day. Practice at least 10 minutes of deep relaxation exercises to help you cope with stressful days ahead.
Self-care is essential for both senior adults and their caregivers. Keeping yourself healthy both in mind and body will help you get through the tough times. Don’t be afraid to explore and find the appropriate self-care methods for your lifestyle.
