How Senior Home Care Providers from Visiting Angels of Boulder County Encourage Social Distancing for Seniors in Longmont, CO and Surrounding Areas
Learn how our senior home care providers help seniors in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and nearby cities in Colorado follow social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic
After months of following public health recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, some people in Boulder County are becoming less vigilant about social distancing. This “quarantine fatigue” is a problem, especially for older adults.
Seniors often want to social distance because COVID-19 can be more dangerous to them due to other health complications. However, having to limit in-person contact with friends, family and neighbors can cause some seniors to feel lonely. This can make social distancing difficult for seniors and cause stress for families and senior home care providers who strive to protect senior loved ones from the coronavirus.
At Visiting Angels of Boulder County, we can work with you to find ways to make it easier for your loved one to social distance and stay safe during these unprecedented times.
Establish a Safety Plan
Set firm limits about which activities are safe for your older loved one and which are not. You should consult a physician or do research on the internet to develop an effective social distancing plan.
For example, safety plan guidelines may include:
- Always maintain six feet of physical separation between seniors and visitors
- Wear a mask when with visitors, even outdoors
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer when entering/exiting gatherings or public areas
- Avoid indoor visits from family or friends; allow outdoor visits only
- Don’t share food or drinks with others
Remember to share your plan with family, friends, neighbors and any professional senior home care providers you work with so that everyone is aware of your loved one’s wishes.
Be Honest About Your Concerns
When it comes to protecting your older loved one, honesty is the best policy. If family or friends want to visit but you’re uncomfortable about the risk of the coronavirus, share your concerns in a respectful, non-judgmental way.
Use statements that begin with “I”. For example, “I worry that an indoor visit with Grandma may increase her chances of getting sick.” Practice positive, assertive communication. If family and friends care about your loved one, they will understand your concerns.
Suggest Alternatives to In-Person Socializing
When in-person visits are not possible, be creative about connecting via phone calls or social technology like video chats. Reassure your loved one that their health and happiness are your top priority.
The Social Care program from Visiting Angels of Boulder County helps seniors use social media, smartphones, emails and texting to connect with loved ones. If your loved one has trouble with using technology, they can receive assistance from a dedicated senior home care provider. A social care strategy can make it easier for friends and family to communicate with your loved one while also respecting their health and safety boundaries.
As a family caregiver, you may start to feel like the “social distancing police.” However, your safety plan will establish boundaries and protect your loved one’s health and well-being.
At Visiting Angels of Boulder County, our senior home care providers can help your loved maintain healthy routine and strive to prevent illness. We assist with errands like grocery shopping so seniors can stay inside, disinfect surfaces around the house and so much more.
To learn how we’re keeping seniors in Boulder County safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact our Longmont, CO office at 303-848-2331.
Visiting Angels provides personalized in-home care for seniors in Longmont, Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.