The biggest concern during the coronavirus pandemic is of course keeping your senior as safe as possible physically. But self-quarantine means that you also need to be concerned about your senior’s mental health.
Get Some Fresh Air
Getting out in the sun and the fresh air can do a lot more than most people think to improve moods. If your elderly family member enjoys outdoor activities like gardening, now might be the time for her to start her spring and summer plants in the garden. Even spending just a few minutes outside with morning coffee can do a lot for your senior’s mental outlook.
Stay Active, if Possible
If your senior has already gotten clearance from her doctor to get and to stay active, she may worry that it’s not possible to keep up with that now. Walking in place could be a good option, or there are plenty of exercise options available for streaming right now. If her doctor hasn’t cleared her for exercise just yet, a simple phone call could help to determine if a light stretching routine or a walking program could be right for her.
Encourage Her to Reach out to People She Loves
Social distancing is one thing, but your senior doesn’t have to be completely cut off from the people she loves. Phone calls, text messages, and video calls are all great ways for your elderly family member to stay in touch with the people that she loves. Visits in person may have to wait, but your senior can still reach out.
Find Activities that Bring Joy
Whatever your senior enjoys doing is likely going to bring her joy now during a quarantine, too. Activities like reading, watching movies, or engaging in crafting activities are all things she can keep doing. If she loves to cook for neighbors, she still can, as long as she’s maintaining a safe distance from other people. There’s a lot she’s giving up by needing to self-quarantine, but it’s likely less than she believes.
Consider Elder Care Providers
Something else to consider is that if your senior needs some extra assistance right now, it might be difficult for you or other family members to be able to help her. That’s especially true if you’re still around a lot of people yourself as an essential worker. Elder care providers can take the necessary steps to ensure that your senior has the help she needs, without worry that she’s at an increased risk of getting sick herself.
Self-quarantine can be a lot more mentally difficult than people typically expect. Having some ideas for combatting that helps a lot.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN WILSON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.