We’re all going through a pretty tough time, at the moment. But, it can easily be argued that no one is facing tougher challenges than the members of our elderly community. Firstly, consider the fact they continually hear that they are the most susceptible to ill health due to the coronavirus. Secondly, stay-at-home orders are keeping many older adults in lonely, isolated situations. Neither their physical nor their emotional states are in great places right now.
Considering all of this, how can you assist your elderly neighbours through the pandemic?
Perform regular check-ins.
If you have elderly neighbours, one of the best things you can do for them is to make sure they’re okay. Not only will you be doing your part to ensure they’re in good health physically, you will be doing a lot to support their emotional needs too. You don’t necessarily have to knock on their doors to check in. As the writing trio of Basia Belza, Anita Souza and Tatiana Sadak explain on TheConversation.com, this is a good time to put modern technology to use.
“Send a text or email, phone them, or leave a note on their front door – whatever they prefer,” they encourage, “Just let them know you’re thinking about them, and ask if they need anything. If you’re cooking, make a little extra and offer a dish to them; put it in a disposable container, use a disinfectant wipe to sanitize the outside of the container, and leave a thoughtful note.”
Handle some chores.
If you live near an older adult who is without anyone to assist with daily routines, be sure to ask what you can do to help. While it’s undoubtedly wise to take precautions (wear a mask and gloves), you may want to offer your help with some household chores if it’s absolutely necessary. If you don’t feel comfortable entering his/her home (protecting your elderly neighbour from COVID-19 is a high priority), consider doing such outside-of-the-home chores as grocery shopping.
Alison Thompson is a professor of drug safety and health services research at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy. In a Toronto.com article by Jacob Lorinc, she acknowledges that staying out of contact with others is crucial. Therefore, consider helping the elderly person in your life by buying groceries or completing other tasks that involve venturing outside.
Help out with medications.
Needless to say, most seniors rely on the help of prescription medications to maintain their well-being. Naturally, a trip to the pharmacy isn’t exactly a safe venture for an elderly person, at the present time. Does the older adult in your neighbourhood need a prescription filled? Find out if you can help with the delivery of the medication.
“Some of the elderly have trouble remembering to take medications; you can ask the pharmacy to pre-package medications in blister packs with designations for morning and evening,” Belza, Souza and Sadak remind us, “You can also call to remind them to take their medications.”
The LifeCare Mobility Solutions team is committed to doing its part in assisting the elderly through the pandemic. If you have any questions about our mobility solutions and home healthcare products, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
