5 Tips for Taking Care of the Elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Taking care of an elderly friend or relative can be challenging at the best of times. 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic has served to add a further complicated dimension to the task of elderly care. The elderly are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, especially those suffering from serious health conditions, and the challenge of keeping them safe from the virus is increasingly important. Whether you chose to take care of your seniors at home yourself or opt to have them stay in a formal facility such as Husky Senior Care where they’ll have access to holistic care solutions, there is no doubt you’ll have questions about maneuvering through this particularly difficult time.  

If you happen to be the primary caregiver for an elderly person during this highly unusual time in history, here five top tips for taking care of them to help you along the way:

Ensure They Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is critical to maintaining a strong immune system, like the one needed to fight COVID-19. Ensure seniors in your care drink enough by giving them a measured liter bottle that allows you to keep track of their intake. 

Ensure They Eat a Balanced Diet

On a related note, in addition to drinking enough water, eating well is key to building immunity. Processed convenience foods tend to be high in sodium which has a negative impact on the kidney and the heart. Make sure the elderly have a balanced diet that is rich in magnesium, protein, and healthy fats. 

Stock Up On Medication

Getting out and about has become increasingly difficult since governments across the world started imposing lockdown orders. Furthermore, elderly people are advised to limit exposure to the virus by isolating and staying away from any potential crowds. It is therefore wise for you to try and stock up on any basic medication they may need. 

Keep Them Company and Mentally Stimulated

Being alone for long periods of time can become really difficult for anyone, not to mention the elderly who have less scope to get out. While they do need to limit the size of their social circle, be sure that you do spend some quality time with them engaging in conversation. Set them up with the necessary technology so that they can connect with other important people in their lives too. And finding ways to keep them mentally stimulated is also a good way to elevate the mood and keep spirits high during these tough times. 

Seek Help At the First Sign of Symptoms

Finally, as much as you may take all the necessary precautions to keep your loved ones out of harm’s way, it won’t always be possible to keep them away from contracting COVID-19. It’s best to keep yourself informed about the pandemic, and if you spot an elderly person in your care showing symptoms of COVID-19, then you seek professional medical support as soon as possible. 

COVID-19 has presented challenges for the whole world but it is a particularly difficult time for the elderly who are not just highly vulnerable now but have been forced into isolation. Thankfully, there are some simple ways we can make life easier for these seniors and ensure that they feel safe, secure, and loved during this difficult period.