The coronavirus is affecting everyone, but it’s especially putting seniors at risk. Senior living facilities are putting restrictions in place to limit resident’s risk of exposure to infection.
Read what our facility is doing here:
https://www.victorianseniorliving.com/important-coronavirus-information/
Take Precautions
Steps being taken are precautionary, which can put a strain on families and friends of senior loved ones that want to be in contact. It becomes more difficult to personally monitor their well-being.
Although, there are ways that you can stay in touch with seniors without putting them at risk for Covid-19.
Top 5 Tips For Seniors To Overcome Coronavirus
Of course it’s important to follow the general guidelines recommended, but there’s more beyond just washing your hands. Seniors should l think twice before having friends and family come visit them. Caregivers should be practicing extra precaution and families should have a back up plan in case the caregiver falls ill. Planning in advance helps reduce panic and anxiety, so communicating a care plan is essential.
Further protection can be acquiring enough food and medication to last for at least two weeks. Helpful tips are using mail order medication or using grocery delivery services to further protect seniors.
1. Only Go To The Hospital If It’s Necessary
The best thing to do during this time is avoid hospitals, unless it’s something serious. If there’s an outbreak in the community then health care workers are extremely busy caring for those with Covid-19. If you have concerns it’s safe to call a telehealth worker to get advice.
2. Stay Up-To-Date With Health Guidelines
As we learn more about how the virus is behaving in the community, we become more aware of the necessary precautions. There are infection control procedures that every nursing home follows. Beyond that there is guidance from the state department of public health. Keep a close eye on what’s happening in your state and follow the department of health guidelines.
3. Keep Social Distance, But Stay Connected
Staying socially connected is extremely important for seniors, so if seeing loved ones physically isn’t an option a simple phone call can bring loads of connection and comfort. Other ways of contact are video calling or sending photos through social media.
Just because you can’t visit your loved ones doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. There are delivery services for things like flowers and groceries, just to say I’m thinking of you. Don’t forget about mail. These days we forget that a handwritten card, a letter sent to your loved one, might give us a result. The nice part about it is that you can read it over and over again to remind yourself that people care about you.
4. Now Is the Time To Write That Book
Even if you are at home, you can walk in the hallways and walk around your room. It’s really important to not sit or lie down all day. We need to move and get the blood flowing, which is good for your overall health. Even small housework is a form of exercise. Secondly, maybe this is a good time to catch up on old movies. In fact, you could have your family watch the same movie on the same day and afterwards catch up and talk about the movie. This might also be a good time to do things that you always wanted to do but never had the time, such as learning a new language or writing a book.
Just In Case
The important thing to know is that, if you are not sick but fear that you have been exposed to someone with the infection, you don’t have to go to a hospital to seek help. You can call or use telehealth to contact your physician. Ask them what symptoms to watch out for and when should you consider being tested. Clearly, if you have a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, there is a risk that you do have coronavirus and that might be a circumstance where it is recommended that you get tested. For people who have insurance coverage, there is typically a nurse helpline, in addition to contacting a doctor.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional wellbeing. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.