Help Seniors Ease into the “New Normal” with Elderly Home Care from Visiting Angels of Boulder County

Visiting Angels offers elderly home care services to help seniors in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and surrounding areas in Colorado prepare for the “new normal”

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of people in Boulder County, CO and across the country. Although the number of COVID-19 cases is declining in some areas, it’s spiking in others. Public health experts continue to recommend taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect older, more vulnerable individuals. Communities are starting to reopen, but precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding public gatherings are still in place.

These changes can be unsettling for seniors, especially those with dementia. Visiting Angels of Boulder County offers elderly home care services plus tips to help your loved one adjust to the “new normal” during COVID-19.

Discuss Safety Precautions and Offer Assurance

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. It’s important to continue talking about safety and utilize elderly home care when needed.

If your loved one seems resistant, calmly explain the reason for safety precautions. The virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing lower the risk of spreading the virus via person-to-person contact. 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.

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 certain health conditions 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 worry about the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay calm and be reassuring when discussing the virus. Use phrases like, “We’re all in this together.” Remind your loved one that family members and elderly home care providers are taking precautions 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 essential 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. You might have to call the office from your car to report your arrival and wait in your car instead of the waiting room. Medical personnel might take patients’ temperatures or require a survey regarding symptoms. Upon returning home, explain that hand washing, especially after leaving a public place, is a necessary precaution for remaining healthy.

Encourage Communication with Family and Friends

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 bubble,” 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.

Include Elderly Home Care Services from Visiting Angels of Boulder County in Your Regimen

Call upon a trusted caregiver from Visiting Angels of Boulder County to help your older loved one adjust to new routines, activities, and safety protocols during the pandemic.

Our elderly home care services can include:

Taking precautions to protect against the virus such as wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing
Patiently explaining safety protocols
Watching for virus symptoms such as fever, dry cough and fatigue

Helping you loved one stay active with activities such as walking and doing craft projects
Assisting with technology to promote connection with family and friends through our Social Care program
Ensuring your loved one’s daily routine is followed
Running errands so your loved one can stay at home safely
Assisting with transportation to appointments

If you're interested in learning more about elderly home care in Boulder County and the surrounding areas, call our Longmont, CO office at 303-848-2331.

Visiting Angels provides personalized in-home senior care services for families in Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.