Tips on Talking About COVID-19 Precautions with Your Senior Loved One in Eldersburg, MD

Here’s how families in Eldersburg, Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, Westminster, Randallstown and surrounding areas in Maryland should discuss COVID-19 precautions and elder care options with senior relatives

As we all know by now, older adults and people with chronic conditions are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia and other severe medical complications caused by COVID-19. Not only can the whole situation make family caregivers feel more anxious or stressed out, but some seniors may make matters worse by being reluctant to change their routines or take this outbreak seriously.

If this is the case with your loved one, Visiting Angels Eldersburg has several tips on what you can do to persuade your parent to fully adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions.

Learn More about Seniors and COVID-19 Prior to the Conversation

It might be useful if you take the time to learn some facts about the novel coronavirus before talking to your Mom or Dad. Acquire information from reliable sources that you can quote, such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or state health departments.

Citing information from well-known news outlets, local experts providing elder care options or respectable organizations active within the community can add a layer of credibility to what you are saying. You should also make an effort to denounce and correct any misinformation your loved one might firmly believe in.

Understand Your Parent’s Point of View

To make your parent realize the seriousness of the pandemic, first you need to understand what makes them behave the way they do – and the best way to start is by asking simple questions. Find out what they think about the whole COVID-19 situation, how much they know about its spread, and what they have done to stay safe.

It should not surprise you to hear that a considerable number of older adults believe the virus will not affect them because they are still in good health or because they survived worse. Some seniors may not see the connection between following the recommended guidelines and the spread of the virus. Others may simply be reluctant to take orders from the government or their loved ones.

Whatever the reason, discovering the causes of your parent’s persisting stubbornness can help you develop the best persuasion strategy while considering your elder care options during the crisis.

Present Your Case

When discussing COVID-19 with your loved one, it is important to be tactful and use the right tone. Coercing, talking down, or being overbearing can only have a negative effect and lead to disputes between you and your parent. State clearly that their health and safety is your top priority and make sure to address their specific concerns.

For example, should they have concerns about being able to take care of themselves or obtain groceries and supplies, you can turn to professional elder care options in your area like Visiting Angels Eldersburg. One of our caregivers can deliver groceries and provide essential personal home care services during lockdowns.

Be Prepared for a Two-Way Communication

Whatever your parent’s response might be, it is crucial you avoid arguing for the sake of your relationship. Let them know you are just here to help in any way you can. Protecting your loved one during the pandemic also means doing your best to help them understand the gravity of the situation we are all faced with.

Get in touch with our Eldersburg, MD office and learn more about professional in-home elder care options from Visiting Angels today.