We wanted to let everyone know that SeniorCare Companions is operating and ready to deliver services to those in need. There is a saying in the U.S. Navy SEALs that says, “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday” which means that you must keep challenging yourself, you must be prepared for even more difficult situations ahead and to never rest on your laurels. We all need to apply that mentality in the face of Covid-19 especially for those on the front lines. We’re all familiar with elderly family members who, even in normal times are heavy consumers of the news and although staying informed is important, excessive exposure and wild speculation can add unneeded stress and worry. Most Americans are likely affected in one way or another by the changes associated with the Covid-19 outbreak. Disruption to everyday life can be especially challenging for seniors. One of the best ways to protect our seniors is simply by having them stay home or self quarantine, but a lot of seniors are experiencing a greater sense of loneliness because of the isolation. Loneliness is an emotional state defined as feeling alone or separate from others, or as feeling empty. Even in normal times, 43% of seniors report feeling lonely and isolated, according to a landmark study by the University of California at San Francisco and I’m sure those numbers are likely higher because older adults are often hesitant to tell others.
- Take a break from Covid-19
Encourage media breaks by recommending self-care practices such as prayer or meditation. Things like cooking, puzzles, board or card games and listening to music or reading will all work in taking time away from hearing and seeing news related to Covid-19.
2. Encourage Exercise
In the aging population, exercise has been shown to prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well-being, and improve cognitive function. Exercising also improves overall immune function which is important for seniors as their immune systems are often compromised. Even light exercise, such as walking can be a powerful tool for helping to prevent infection.
3. Calm Fears
Maintaining structure and routine are very helpful in calming senior’s fears and worries. Outside of the procedures that must be changed to avoid the risk of exposure, caregivers should attempt to maintain a sense of routine for seniors and be watchful for signs of any changing health symptoms.
4. Be Vigilant
Caregivers should watch for signs of obsessive compulsive behavior, incessant worry or panic, and signs of loneliness or depression which tend to manifest in persistent sadness, lack of motivation or energy, and physical symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, excess sweating, and difficulty breathing.
5. Think Outside of the Box in Terms of Social Connection
Even during this time of social distancing when family and friends can’t visit in person, caregivers can provide opportunities to engage through traditional means, such as a handwritten note or card, or modern means such as telephone calls, video chats, email exchanges and even social media.
SeniorCare Companions is ready, willing and able to provide care to those people who so desperately need it. We service Manhattan to Montauk and have been serving our seniors since 2004. Our caregivers provide companionship; help with grocery shopping and other errands, housekeeping, laundry and changing sheets, medication reminders and much more. Companionship can help to ease anxiety and depression so feel free to reach out to us at: (631) 581-9000 or after hours at: (800) 850-2621 or by visiting our website at: https://seniorcarecompanions.com/.We look forward for the opportunity to serve!
