VISITING ANGELS SOUTHLAKE, TX 817-684-1996
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How to Support My Aging Loved One During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Elderly couple sitting together on the computerIn just a matter of a few days, the COVID-19 has drastically altered everyday life here in the United States. Americans are being asked to stay home in order to stop the spread. Social distancing is now in everyone’s vocabulary and being practiced daily. As our nation faces this global pandemic, it can be a very trying time for families with aging loved ones. Seniors are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, so it’s critical that they remain safe in the their own homes and limit interaction with family members who might compromise their health.

Many families are struggling to find balance between staying safe and healthy, while supporting their aging loved one. Some families live in other states and travel is not an option right now. In either scenario, we understand that your aging loved one is constantly on your mind. Here are a few ways that you can support your aging loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic and bring them a little hope.

Video Chat Frequently

There’s nothing worse than not being able to visit your aging loved one in person. It’s more than likely that your aging loved one is feeling the void too. Keep in touch with frequent video chats. You can keep tabs on their health and well-being, while giving them something to look forward to each day. We understand that not everyone is able to call daily, especially as you balance homeschooling and working from home. Instead of shouldering the burden alone, organize a family call calendar so that your aging loved one receives a video call from someone in the family each day, or every other day.

Chalk Their Driveway or Sidewalk

If it’s a nice day and you’re fortunate to live near your aging loved one, load up the kids and head over to your aging loved one’s home. Decorate their driveway and/or sidewalk with chalk art. Leave them encouraging messages. Try to be quiet so they don’t hear you. Afterwards, call them and ask them to look out their front window for a nice surprise.

Encourage Hobbies

Support your aging loved one in the pursuit of their favorite hobbies. Hobbies are a great way for seniors to stay active and engage their mind. They provide an escape from boredom while helping seniors to cope with stress. Make sure they have plenty of fresh materials to keep them busy. Order materials online and ship them to their home. Ask to see progress as you chat with them. Encourage them to turn off the television for a set amount of time each day and engage in their hobby.

Keep Them Involved

We aren’t sure how long this pandemic will cause our lives to pause, but it could last longer than we all desire. It’s important to find creative ways to keep your aging loved one involved in your everyday routine. Use video chats to let them listen to your children complete reading assignments or ask them to lead a weekly baking class for your kids. If you’re used to gathering for weekly dinners, continue to do so using Zoom or Skype. Clue them in on what others are doing so they can participate too—such as leaving a teddy bear in a front window for neighbors with young children to go on a “bear hunt” or decorating their front windows with flowers or artwork.

Utilize Grocery Delivery

Eliminate their need to go into the grocery store by arranging grocery delivery for them. While some stores are offering special senior hours, it can still be risky for seniors with chronic health conditions. If your aging loved one is tech savvy, encourage them to pursue grocery delivery. If they need help, do this for them. It’s easy and convenient, and many stores are offering either store pick up or delivery at nominal costs. Even pharmacies are offering delivery for prescriptions, so encourage your aging loved one to take advantage of those services.

Virtual Field Trips

Finally, encourage your aging loved one to take virtual field trips with you. There are so many museums, parks, and zoos, across the world, that are offering virtual tours or livestreaming events. Pick a location and share the link with your aging loved one. After you’ve both had time to explore, discuss your adventure. Did you learn anything new? Have you visited this destination before? What memories did this experience evoke? This is a great activity to include multiple generations.

It’s during times like this that it’s important to know that you are not alone. Visiting Angels Southlake is here to support you and your aging loved one as we navigate life during this global pandemic. Whether you live close by or far away from your aging loved one, we understand that everyone needs help from time to time. Our compassionate caregivers are available to step in and provide the non-medical care that you might not be able to provide right now. We offer a variety of home care services that allow seniors to stay safe at home. Getting started is easy. Simply contact us today by calling 817-684-1996.

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868