I’m sure everyone has heard many different things regarding Covid-19 so we wanted to make sure we posted some tips to help out. Remember, older bodies have to work harder to fight infection, so it’s important you or your loved one avoids people who are sick, washes hands frequently and uses wipes to clean surfaces other people might have touched. Overall, panic creates more problems than solutions so don’t be scared…Be Prepared!
1. Take Personal Preventive Measures First:
The most effective way to help seniors is to avoid exposure yourself. By following guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you are taking steps to not only keep yourself healthy, but are protecting others by reducing the spread of disease. Seniors benefit from individuals taking personal preventative measures first and foremost.
2. Get Help With Checking In:
With everything happening in the world today, we would encourage you to stay connected to friends and family as much as you can. It seems like the catchphrase recently is social distancing, but in order to reduce social isolation and loneliness, both of which have serious health effects as well try to be with someone else. If you or someone you know doesn’t have anyone to rely on then feel free to reach out to us so we can help to provide a caregiver to look out for you or them. (Our contact info is at the bottom). Some questions you should ask are: Do you or your loved one have a device like Life Alert and is it kept on at all times? If not than you should make sure you get that setup asap. There are some devices that are offered free for vets such as MedEquip Alert (Their contact info is below)If possible, try to get your loved one to memorize the most important numbers and also put important numbers directly on their fridge. Another option that can help with checking in is learning the new technology, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and lots more. All sorts of online options exist to talk with family and friends and you don’t have to be completely tech-savvy. Doing the basics is easy, and for most people, fun. If setting up an account is too daunting, ask a neighbor, niece or nephew for help and a quick tutorial or contact Wendy Weiss from TechTime (Info listed at bottom) who specializes in assisting seniors with setting up accounts and learning how to use different applications. a company called
3. Make Sure You Stock Up If You Haven’t Already:
It’s a good idea to have foods (such as canned items) that don’t have to be refrigerated or cooked. Be smart, if everyone is rushing headfirst to big box stores than you should try going to smaller or more local places. Think outside the box, try going to dollar stores, they carry cans of chicken soup and have been getting consistent shipments. Have a good supply of bottled water, pasta, peanut butter & jelly as well as different canned foods and vegetables. Forget the toilet paper and go for the wet wipes, they’re easier to transport, they’re more effective and are still around in some places. Once the toilet paper hype settles down than make a purchase. If you or a loved one is unable to get out and get things than consider ordering groceries online, maybe asking a family member or friend for help with stocking up and you can always give us a call at SeniorCare Companions about hiring someone to help out.
4. Keep Your Immune System Strong With Hydration & Nutrition:
As we age our sense of thirst diminishes and because of that many seniors do not stay well hydrated. The Cleveland Clinic warns that dehydration is an often overlooked health risk in the senior community. According to Mayo Clinic, a general rule of thumb is 3.7 liters of fluids for men and 2.7 liters for women. Harvard Medical school
Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:
- Don’t Smoke
- Maintain a healthy diet, high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, which is also critical for keeping defenses up according to Harvard Medical School.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take steps to avoid infection such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Try to minimize stress. (I understand that staying informed is important, but sometimes turning everything off is extremely helpful.)
5. Maintain physical activity
Instead of quarantining an elderly loved one to a room encourage them to remain physically active, outside if possible, maybe in the yard or going for a short walk. This will promote good circulation and encourage the body to clear mucus from the airways, lowering the probability of viruses sticking to the lungs, according to Harvard Medical School.
If everyone just becomes glued to their TV’s, waiting for something bad to happen than their not participating in daily life and psychologically, there is a great likelihood for older people to become depressed or anxious so remaining physically active also produces mental health dividends.
Bonus: Have A Plan:
“Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail” is a famous maxim that should be adhered to. Remember to put your important documents in a plastic bag and keep them in a fireproof and waterproof safe or box for easy grabbing. Remember to display important phone numbers and emergency contacts.
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