How At-Home Elder Care Prepares Seniors in Westminster, CO and Surrounding Areas for the “New Normal”

Visiting Angels offers at-home elder care to help seniors in Westminster, Broomfield, Northglenn and surrounding areas in Colorado get used to new health and safety precautions during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused lifestyle changes for people in Westminster, CO and across the country. The number of COVID-19 cases is declining in some areas, but it’s spiking in others. Experts continue to recommend taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect older, vulnerable individuals. Although communities are starting to reopen, precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding public gatherings are still in place.

These changes can be stressful for seniors, especially those with dementia. Visiting Angels Westminster offers at-home elder care services plus advice to help your loved one adjust to the “new normal” during COVID-19.

Discuss Safety Practices and Offer Assurance

Older adults with memory impairment might forget to follow safety precautions. They might have questions about wearing masks, limited visits with family and friends, or frequent hand washing. Masks can make it difficult to recognize familiar faces, which can increase confusion and apprehension. Some older adults might resist following safety rules that they don’t understand. It’s important to remind seniors about safety precautions and utilize at-home elder care services when needed.

If your loved one seems resistant, calmly explain the reason for safety precautions. The virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing lower the risk of spreading the virus via person-to-person contact. Use strategies to enforce safety practices and ease stress. For example, show your loved one a photo of yourself without a mask or make a game out of washing your hands. Perhaps recall a memory of a family member who was ill and recovered.

Be honest with your older loved one about the risks of COVID-19, but don’t cause alarm. While it’s true that those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for complications, it’s also true that medical treatments are often successful. Realize that it’s normal for your loved one to worry about the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay calm when discussing the virus. Use phrases like, “We’re all in this together.” Assure them that others are concerned for their health and well-being.

Prepare for Public Outings

Eventually, it will become necessary to go out in public, either for a medical appointment or other essential errand. Ease the transition by explaining what the trip might be like. For example, before a doctor’s appointment, explain that he or she will have to wear a mask; the office staff will be wearing masks too. You might have to call the office from your car to report your arrival and wait in your car instead of the waiting room. Medical personnel might take patients’ temperatures or require a survey regarding symptoms. Upon returning home, explain that especially after being in public, hand washing is a necessary precaution for remaining healthy.

Encourage Communication with Family and Friends

Isolation from friends and family is difficult for all of us, but it’s especially tough for older adults. Before introducing others into your loved one’s “quarantine circle,” assess their risk factors, and your comfort level with those risks. If he or she is not yet ready for socializing, explain the reason for the delay. Show your family member how to use social media or video technology to connect with others. Telephone calls can be essential during this time.

Add At-Home Elder Care Services from Visiting Angels Westminster to Your Routine

Call upon a trusted caregiver from Visiting Angels Westminster to help your older loved one adjust to new routines, activities and safety precautions during the pandemic.

Here are some ways our at-home elder care services can help your loved one adjust for the “new normal”:

Taking precautions to protect against the virus such as wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing
Patiently explaining safety protocols
Watching for virus symptoms such as fever, dry cough and fatigue
Helping you loved one stay active with activities such as walking and doing craft projects
Assisting with technology to promote connection with family and friends through our Social Care program
Ensuring your loved one’s daily routine is followed
Running errands so your loved one can stay at home safely
Assisting with transportation to appointments

If you're interested in learning more about our at-home elder care services in Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield and surrounding areas, call Visiting Angels at 303-625-7623.