Seniors and safety in uncertain times: 5 important tips

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety and well-being of our senior citizens became a top priority. With the rise in numbers of Covid-19 and it’s new variants, it might be beneficial to re-introduce the idea of Senior Safety in Uncertain Times with the 5 tips previously discussed along with Senior Care and COVID-19.

Navigating Senior Care and COVID-19

Older individuals are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, making it crucial for them and their caregivers to take proactive steps to protect their health and independence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential strategies to ensure “Senior Safety in Uncertain Times,” emphasizing the importance of “Senior Care and COVID-19.”

Senior Safety in Uncertain Times & Personal Preventive Measures First

The most effective way to support seniors during this challenging period is by starting with ourselves. By adhering to the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we not only safeguard our own health but also contribute to reducing the spread of the virus. Taking personal preventative measures is the cornerstone of senior safety in uncertain times.

Get Help With Checking In

In today’s world, staying connected to friends and family is paramount. While social distancing has become a catchphrase, it’s equally crucial to combat social isolation and loneliness, both of which can have serious health effects on seniors. For those who lack a support network, reaching out to professional caregivers can be a lifeline. SeniorCare Companions, for instance, offers caregiver services to ensure seniors receive the care and attention they deserve. Ensuring that seniors have access to communication devices like Life Alert is essential. Additionally, embracing technology such as FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and social media can help maintain connections, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Make Sure You Stock Up If You Haven’t Already Especially for Senior Safety in Uncertain Times

Preparation is key to senior safety during the pandemic. Having a well-stocked pantry is a wise move, especially with foods that don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking. While many rush to big box stores, consider exploring smaller, local options to avoid crowds. Dollar stores often offer canned goods and consistent stock. In addition to non-perishable foods, prioritize bottled water, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, and various canned foods and vegetables. Instead of hoarding toilet paper, opt for wet wipes, which are more practical and still readily available. For those unable to shop in person, online grocery orders or assistance from family and friends can help ensure seniors have what they need.

Keep Your Immune System Strong With Hydration & Nutrition

A robust immune system is vital for seniors, and it starts with proper hydration and nutrition. Seniors often struggle with reduced thirst perception, increasing the risk of dehydration. To combat this, adhere to recommended daily water intake guidelines, such as 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women. A balanced diet rich in antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables is critical to fortify defenses. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limited alcohol consumption, adequate sleep, and stress reduction are all key components in naturally boosting the immune system.

Maintaining Physical Activity as Part of Senior Care

Physical activity is essential for seniors to maintain overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Instead of isolating seniors to their rooms, encourage them to stay physically active, preferably outdoors. Activities like short walks in the yard or light exercises promote good circulation and help clear mucus from airways. This, in turn, lowers the risk of viruses adhering to the lungs. Engaging in daily life activities rather than being glued to the TV can help prevent depression and anxiety, producing valuable mental health dividends.

Have A Plan for Senior Safety in Uncertain Times

“Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail.” This adage holds true in uncertain times. Ensure important documents are stored safely in a fireproof and waterproof safe or box for quick access. Display essential phone numbers and emergency contacts prominently. Having a well-thought-out plan in place is an extra layer of security for senior safety.

“Senior Safety in Uncertain Times” is paramount, and “Senior Care and COVID-19” requires diligence, planning, and proactive measures. By following these five essential tips and embracing a holistic approach to senior well-being, we can navigate these challenging times while ensuring our senior citizens thrive with the support they need. Contact the knowledgeable staff at SeniorCare Companions Inc. for additional help.

We offer the following references to aide in planning senior care:

Cleveland Clinic – Dehydration in Seniors

Harvard Medical School – How to Boost Your Immune System

CDC – Coronavirus (COVID-19)References

Seniors need attention and love during the holidays, just like everyone else. Unfortunately, some people forget to visit their loved ones during the busiest times of the year.

Finding ways to take care of seniors during the holidays is extremely important. Doing so involves helping them with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Let’s look into the ways you can take care of seniors during the holiday season.

Hire a Service

Some seniors might not be able to help themselves with different tasks such as:

Mobility to go places
Remembering important details and schedules
Assistance with motor skills

Whatever you may need, we here at Senior Care Companions can help. We offer various services to help seniors each day. You can find assistants to help them 24/7, or just a few hours of the day.

While you should help seniors when you can, you may need professional help. After all, you can’t be at their sides 24/7, so see if you can find a reliable service to look after them.

Plan Fun Activities

Seniors can face boredom during the holidays, especially if they don’t have people to spend time with them. Coming up with fun activities you can do with one another is important to their mental and emotional wellbeing. Potential activities include:

Sit down and play board games together
Enjoy holiday activities like eating or watching movies
Go for a walk through the park

Focus your attention on letting them have fun. Doing so can help you take care of them emotionally and mentally. For example, they could feel happy after the activities or thankful you thought of them.

Seniors can potentially become lonely and depressed during the holidays, so take the time to plan fun activities for them. Doing so can help them overcome the mundane and boring moments in their lives.

Prepare Them Ahead of Time

Some seniors may like to stick with their schedules. If you know seniors like this, you should prepare them before any activities. Some seniors may have health problems, so make sure you accommodate them.

You can do this in multiple ways such as:

Ensure they have a way to safely reach the areas if they have to use wheelchairs
Give them specific food if they have dietary restrictions
Show them pictures of who they’ll see at the event if they suffer from memory loss

You don’t want to worry them, so make sure you take some time to talk and prepare. This can help them understand the plan and feel comfortable during the activity.

Visit Them Regularly

Often people forget to help seniors with their mental and emotional health during the holidays. If you want to help them during the holidays, just visiting them is an easy way to make their day.

Visiting seniors can help them out in many ways:

Allows them to talk with someone
Shows them others care about their well-being
Help them with tasks or anything else they need

When you visit a senior, you can help them feel happy. You can also help them avoid feelings of loneliness or boredom if they have to live away from home. Even if you have seniors in your life who live on their own, you should visit them during the holidays.

Seniors recognize the time you take to visit them, so they’ll appreciate your efforts.

Ask Them What They Want

Sometimes, people try to make decisions for seniors, so you should communicate when possible. If you communicate with them, you can avoid some problems.

Ensure they do something they like and avoid boredom
Meet their personal needs and keep them safe
Learn more about them and their interests

These points can help you find an activity that will make the seniors happy. You don’t want to drag them to an activity they don’t like, so you need to communicate with them. That way, you can find something you’ll both enjoy.

Some people forget to remember each senior as a person. Make sure you show these seniors you care by asking them what they want. As you do so, you can form stronger relationships with them.

Final Comments

The holidays give you a great opportunity to show your love to the seniors in your life. Whether you want to help relatives in your family or the local seniors, you can make the holidays better for them.

If you want to help these seniors out, try out the ideas above. If you need assistance in taking care of the seniors in your life, reach out to Senior Care Companions.

Have any Questions? Just give us a call, we would love to help in any way.

“Quality Care You Can Trust – Since 2004”