How Our Elder Care Services Help Seniors in Eldersburg, MD and the Surrounding Areas Adapt to the “New Normal”
We offer elder care services in Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Randallstown and nearby cities in Maryland that encourage seniors to follow recommendations from public health experts during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in Carroll, Howard and Baltimore Counties and around the world. Our older adults are a vulnerable population and should be especially cautious. Although the number of COVID-19 cases is declining in some parts of the country, it is spiking in others. Public health experts continue to recommend taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect older individuals.
Communities are starting to reopen, but precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding public areas are still in place. These changes can be unsettling to seniors. Those with dementia can be more prone to confusion and anxiety. Visiting Angels Eldersburg offers elder care services to help your loved one adjust to the “new normal” during COVID-19.
Discuss Safety Procedures and Practices
Older adults with memory impairment might need reminders 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 or deem necessary. It’s important to continue communicating about safety and utilize elder care services when necessary.
If your loved one seems resistant, calmly explain the reason for safety precautions. Remind them that others are concerned for their health and well-being. 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.
It’s important to 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 diabetes and heart disease 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 express concern about the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay calm and use a reassuring tone of voice when discussing the virus. Use phrases like, “We’re all in this together.” Remind your loved one that caregivers are choosing the necessary precautions and elder care services to keep them safe and healthy.
Prepare for Public Outings
Eventually, it will become necessary to go out in public, either for a medical appointment or other necessary 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. Also, you’ll have to call the office from your car to let the staff know you have arrived. The office personnel might take patients’ temperatures or request that patients take a survey regarding symptoms. Upon returning home, explain that hand washing and using hand sanitizer are necessary precautions for remaining healthy.
Encourage Connection with Loved Ones
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 Elder Care Services from Visiting Angels Eldersburg
Rely on a trusted caregiver from Visiting Angels Eldersburg to help your older loved one adjust to new routines, activities and safety precautions during the pandemic.
Our caregivers will:
- Take precautions to protect against COVID-19 such as wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing
- Patiently explain safety protocols
- Watch for virus symptoms such as fever, dry cough and fatigue
- Help your senior stay active with elder care services such as walking and doing craft projects
- Assist with technology to promote connection with family and friends through our Social Care program
- Ensure your loved one’s daily routine is followed
- Run errands so your loved one can stay at home safely
- Assist with transportation to appointments
If you're interested in learning more about how our in-home elder care services can help your loved one adjust to the “new normal,” call our Eldersburg, MD office at 410-549-8002.