Useful Tips on Talking to Seniors in Wheat Ridge, CO and Surrounding Areas About COVID-19 Precautions

Here’s how families and in-home caregivers in Wheat Ridge, Denver, Golden and surrounding areas in Colorado can discuss COVID-19 health and safety precautions with elderly relatives

As countries around the world make unprecedented efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19, aging adults and individuals with chronic health conditions continue to be the most vulnerable groups. This means seniors are at a higher risk of developing serious complications if they get infected. Despite these alarming facts, many seniors still refuse to take the coronavirus seriously and change their behaviors or routines. 

If you are worried about your loved one’s health and safety, there are several things you, as your parent’s in-home caregiver, can try out to help them see clearly that the pandemic is a serious cause for concern and discuss the benefits of hiring a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Denver during this uncertain time.

Get the Facts on Seniors and COVID-19

Before talking to Mom or Dad, gather information from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or local health departments. Citing facts instead of dabbling in hearsay can certainly add credibility, especially if you are quoting a respected news outlet, a trustworthy in=home caregiver or a well-known organization active within the Denver area. Also make sure to correct any misinformation you may hear from your parent.

Understand Your Loved One’s Views

To really get through to your loved one, you need to uncover the reasons that may incent their behavior. The best way to do this is by asking questions. For example, you can ask them what they know about the pandemic and what precautions they have undertaken.

Aging adults may falsely presume the virus will not affect them because they are still in good health or because they have survived worse. Some seniors do not seem to understand how their reluctance to follow health guidelines may contribute to the spread of the virus. Others may simply be downright stubborn and set in their ways.

Do not act too surprised, whatever the cause. By learning more about the reasons that fuel your loved one’s behavior, you can be more persuasive during the conversation.

Make Your Case

When supporting your arguments, it is important to stay calm and be tactful. Pressuring, threatening or talking down to Mom or Dad can just make things worse and reduce the likelihood that they will actually hear you out. Let them know you only want to help them and address their concerns about the COVID-19 crisis.

If your loved one doubts their ability to take good care of themselves or has difficulty with obtaining supplies during lockdowns, offer to help or consider arranging care visits from a qualified in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Denver.

Allow for Two-Way Communication

Regardless of how your mom or dad might respond, do not let the conversation harm your relationship even if you seem to disagree. Simply let them know you are only concerned about their wellbeing and you want to help in any way you can. Doing your best to help them acknowledge the seriousness of the situation is an integral part of protecting your loved one during this difficult time. 

Learn more about how a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Denver can help your mom or dad stay unhealthy during the pandemic by calling our Wheat Ridge, CO office today.

Visiting Angels provides in-home senior care for families throughout Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Glendale, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and the surrounding areas of Colorado.