Quarantine has been tough for a lot of people, but it has been especially hard on the elderly. Some loved ones may be riding out quarantine in nursing homes, struggling with feelings of isolation. Some may be far away, making it hard to check in on them. Whatever the circumstances, staying away means staying safe. But that doesn’t mean that elderly relatives should be ignored. There are many ways to reach out and help them without physically being around.
Get Extra Help
A lot of surprising services are popping up due to these unprecedented times. Grocery delivery and take-out options are more widely available. Companies are reinventing themselves in order to survive, so they are offering different options to the public. Home health care Bethesda Maryland companies have expanded their services to aid the elderly in different ways. Home health care professionals will make schedules, do meal prep, and even run errands. These services can be done as needed without anyone entering the home.
Keep Them Stocked
The goal is to keep elderly people from having to go to the store. Extra precautions should be taken for any medical conditions, such as always having two weeks of prescriptions and other medical supplies. Make sure that older relatives have food, toiletries, and any extra treats that will keep them happy and healthy. Being proactive about these needs is a great way to show a loved one that they haven’t been forgotten. Everyone loves getting mail and care packages.
Stay Connected
Depression is a major concern for older relatives who are separated from their families. It is important to let them know they are not alone. Consider setting up access to streaming services with personalized suggestions. Everyone in the family can binge-watch the same show and then talk about it on the phone or video chat. Children can make exercise videos for their older family members. The video could simply be marching in place and talking. Kids could also perform and record a show with singing and dancing. These videos can be kept and watched whenever an elderly family member wants to see some familiar faces or get a little exercise.
Some of the adaptations that have been made during quarantine have real merit and may be around for a while. Everyone is feeling fatigue from isolation, but now is not the time to give up. Now is the time to be creative.
Infographic provided by TargetLeads, a Medicare lead mailing company
