How to Care For Our Elderly Parents During the Covid-19 Pandemic
It is out in the news. COVID-19 trends reveal that older people are more vulnerable to the disease than other age groups. In Canada, statistics say that cases of COVID-19 deaths in the country are among seniors.
A survey in 2016 reported that 93.2 % of elderly Canadians are living in private households while the rest are staying in elderly homes. That means the majority of old people in Canada are being taken care of by family or are living on their own. As we continue to fight this novel virus, the responsibility to look after our senior parents become even more crucial whether they are in the home as ours or living in another city or territory.
What can we do to protect our elderly family members from the threat of the novel coronavirus? Here is a compilation of things to do to support and protect them in these uncertain times:
Limiting our exposure to the outside world
People belonging to the younger age group are more resilient against COVID-19, but this does not give you the license to just go out whenever you want to and be unmindful of social protocols. That is because even if you are asymptomatic, we can pass on the virus to other people who might be susceptible to it. Although some businesses are reopening and we are easing into the new normal way of doing things, staying at home is still recommended because this avoids exposure to the virus. We can go out only if necessary – like if we have to get food or medical supplies or if we have essential errands to make. Remember, if we choose to stay home, we are not doing this for ourselves, we are doing this for the sake of our senior folks.
Following government-imposed protocols
People who have jobs even during the pandemic do not really have a choice to stay at home. Frontliners and essential service workers must go out every day to make a living. If this is the case, we must make sure that we are following basic health protocols in order to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Even if lockdowns are removed from our cities and towns, it is vital that we follow these rules because the battle against this unseen enemy is not over yet. If we must travel, let us remember to wear our masks, bring alcohol, and practice social distancing in public places. Upon returning home, it is advisable to place our clothing in a separate hamper or just directly wash them. Wash hands up to the elbow area or apply alcohol immediately. Avoid direct contact with family members in the meantime. Instead, take a bath first. Do not forget to clean up first before interacting with our elderly.
Buying our senior family member’s essentials
We need to strengthen our immunity night now more than ever. This also applies to the older folks in our household. Since they are more vulnerable to diseases, we can support them by volunteering to run errands for their essentials. We can start by buying them fresh produce from the grocery or market and preparing healthier food for them to eat. The next important things that they will need are maintenance medicines. Since it is safer for them to stay at home, let us do our part in making sure that their prescription and maintenance drugs are well-stocked.
Not letting them get lonely and isolated
The task to look after our elderly family members becomes more challenging if they are far away. Fortunately for us, we now have the technology to speak to each other even from afar. If they know how to connect to the internet and use video chat, initiate phone calls and ask them how they are. Have a conversation about what happened today or this week. Ask about their needs and if they want any specific help. If they only know how to answer traditional phone calls, then, by all means, dial their number and make that call. You can do it at least three times a week, if not every day. Help them stay connected with family and friends.
Postponing unnecessary doctor or clinic visits
As much as possible our older adults should avoid going out. Right now, walk-in clinic Hamilton health centers, and hospitals are high-risk areas for COVID-19 infection. But what if an older adult gets sick? Consider looking for an online doctor. There are a lot of online healthcare providers where one can talk to fully-licensed physicians who can give advice, diagnose and treat diseases, and even prescribe medications.
Once the COVID-19 threat is gone, we can always go back to the traditional way of doing things, but for now, we need to adjust our lifestyles and make the extra effort to make sure that our senior parents or family members are protected. If you have elderlies at home, take heed of these tips, and stay safe.