Because the risk of developing COVID-19 increases with age, Canada’s official website recommends older adults stay home as much as possible during this outbreak. Staying home also provides added protection for seniors with immune systems weakened by age and underlying health issues. But being isolated at home doesn’t mean seniors can’t stay connected. Here are five things your senior loved one can do to remain safely engaged and connected during the coronavirus pandemic.
1. Schedule Virtual Friend/Family Visits
If your loved one normally looks forward to regular visits from friends and family members, use free tools like Skype and FaceTime to continue these visits virtually. Even low-tech options like phone calls and texts can lift your parent’s spirits. Remote communication could also be used if you opt for in-home care for your loved one so you can safely limit in-person contact as much as possible. For instance, a professional caregiver can set up daily video chats to allow you to have regular remote visits with your loved one as he or she receives the care and assistance he or she needs while remaining safe at home.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Waterloo families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
2. Play Senior-Friendly Online Games
A fun way for seniors to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic is to play games online. Sites like East of the Web and Chess.com offer a variety of games older players tend to enjoy. Game-based apps can also be downloaded conveniently to tablets or phones so your loved one can play them in a favorite chair or other comfortable location. Apps like Lumosity are also worth considering, since they offer an assortment of games that help with memory and other cognitive functions.
A home caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing partner for your loved one. For families living in Waterloo, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
3. Join Online Discussion Groups/Book Clubs
Senior Chatters is one of several online discussion groups that cater to older adults. Sites like these give seniors a chance to participate in discussions that interest them. And if your loved one is having to forego regular book club meetings because of the coronavirus pandemic, steer him or her toward online book clubs he or she can join and participate in remotely.
4. Watch Live Stream Events
Seniors often find music concerts and similar live events both entertaining and soothing. Such events can also ease anxiety while coronavirus concerns are high. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation recently added a page to its website specifically for upcoming live streaming events that can be a good go-to resource for your loved one.
5. Embrace Old-Fashioned Communication
If your loved one doesn’t have convenient access to a computer or simply prefers not to connect digitally, don’t force him or her to use technology he or she isn’t comfortable with or capable of easily using. Instead, what you can do is exchange letters and cards and make regular phone calls. Go even further and use the time you do get to spend with your loved one in person to help him or her write letters to other family members and friends or create creatively designed cards.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (519) 954-2111 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Home Care Assistance, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their caregivers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Home Care Assistance helps protect clients, click here: https://www.homecareassistancewaterloo.ca/covid-19-home-care/.