Discussing COVID-19 Precautions with Your Senior Loved One in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties

Here are some essential tips for family caregivers and elderly health care providers in Santa Cruz, Marina, Scotts Valley and surrounding areas in California who are trying to communicate the importance of COVID-19 precautions to senior loved ones from Visiting Angels Central Coast

As COVID-19 continues to present a serious health threat worldwide, aging adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus. Because of the gravity of the situation, many family caregivers and elderly health care providers may be overly worried about the health and safety of those in their care, especially if they realize their senior loved ones are not taking the outbreak seriously.

If you act as a primary caregiver, these guidelines can help you protect your loved one and make them see why COVID-19 is a cause for concern.

Know the Facts About Seniors and COVID-19

Before talking to your parent about COVID-19, learn all you can about the disease and how it affects the senior population. Opt for reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or local health departments.

Providing Mom or Dad with hard facts stated by respectable news outlets or trustworthy elderly health care experts can help set the tone of the conversation and add credibility to your argument. Also make sure to dismiss any misinformation that may be driving their irresponsible behavior.

Understand Your Loved One’s Position about the Coronavirus

To get your mom or dad on the same page about COVID-19, you need to know more about their point of view and the best way to do it is by openly asking them a few questions. For example, you can ask your parent what they know about coronavirus, what their opinion on the pandemic is and what precautions they have undertaken so far.

Do not be surprised if your loved one believes the virus will not affect them because they are in good health or if they say that they have survived worse things than the pandemic. Many seniors have incorrect assumptions about COVID-19. While some of them may not understand how failing to follow public health guidelines contributes to the spread of the virus, others may simply think they know better than the government or their family.

Be it as it may, understanding the reasons that fuel Mom or Dad’s stubbornness can help you develop an effective persuasion strategy.

State Your Case

Try to be as subtle as possible when making your case. Pressuring, nagging or talking down can only reduce the likelihood that your parent will really hear you out. Right from the start, let them know you are only concerned about their well-being and make sure to learn more about their specific problems as well.

For example, if your loved one is not sure whether they will be able to take good care of themselves or get enough supplies, you could get in touch with a local elderly health care agency like Visiting Angels Central Coast and arrange for professional caregivers to provide essential personal home care services and assist with daily activities.

Communication Is a Two-Way Street

Regardless of your loved one’s response, do your best to avoid harming your relationship. Let Mom or Dad know you are always here for them. Helping your parent realize the seriousness of the pandemic will enable them to keep themselves safe throughout the crisis.

Learn more about how elderly health care services from Visiting Angels Central Coast can help your aging loved one remain safely at home by calling our Scotts Valley, CA office today!