Senior Care Helps Families Adapt to the “New Normal” in Schererville, IN and the Surrounding Area
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused major changes for people in Schererville and across the world. Our older adults are an especially vulnerable population. Although the number of 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 protect older individuals.
Visiting Angels’ Senior Care Helps Manage COVID-19 Challenges in Schererville, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and Nearby Cities
Communities are starting to reopen, but precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing, limiting errands are still in use. These changes can be upsetting to seniors. Safety protocols such as the increased use of technology and new check-in procedures at the doctor’s office can increase anxiety, especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Visiting Angels of Schererville offers senior care to help your loved one adjust to the “new normal” during COVID-19.
Explain COVID-19 Safety Protocols 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 recommendations that they do not understand or deem necessary. It is important to continue communicating.
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 or contest out of washing hands.
Be Honest, But Don’t Cause Alarm
It is important to be honest with your older loved one about the risks of COVID-19. Those in nursing homes and those with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are at higher risk for complications. Although it is normal for your loved one to express concern and worry about COVID-19, avoid causing unnecessary alarm. Stay calm and use a reassuring tone of voice when having these discussions. You might want to remind your loved one that family members and senior care providers are taking the necessary precautions to keep them safe and healthy.
Prepare to Go Out in Public
Your loved one will eventually have to go out in public for a medical appointment and other necessary errands. Ease the transition by explaining what the trip might be like. A senior care provider from Visiting Angels of Schererville can also help ease the burden of going out by running errands for them or going with them to doctor’s appointments.
Encourage Connection with Friends and Family
Isolation from friends and family is difficult for all of us, but it is especially tough for older adults. Before introducing others into your loved one’s “quarantine bubble,” assess your loved one’s 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. Visiting Angels of Schererville offers senior care services to help your loved one connect with friends and family virtually to keep them socially active, as well.
Get Help from a Caregiver
Having trusted in-home senior care can help your loved one as they adjust to new routines, activities, and safety precautions during the pandemic. A home care professional from our agency will:
- Watch for concerning symptoms
- Help your loved one stay active during social distancing
- Assist with technology and promote connection with family and friends
- Follow their daily routine as closely as possible
- Run errands so your loved one can stay safely at home
- Assist with transportation
Contact Visiting Angels of Schererville Today
Your home care provider will take the time to patiently explain reasons for following safety precautions one while helping your loved one feel safe, secure, and supported as their community reopens. To learn more about our senior care services and adapting to the “new normal,” call Visiting Angels of Schererville at 219-500-5896.