Caring for the Elderly in Lockdown
I am fortunate my parents live in the same village as me. It must be such a worry if you have elderly family further away that you cannot easily check in on. Here in Wales we are limited to only travelling 5 miles which is nothing really. You cannot get far with that kind of restriction in place. It will have made it more complicated for some when it comes to caring for the elderly.
Although the government does have flexibility if you do need to help a vulnerable person. But if you have been shielding yourself you might be nervous to leave home. If you do go to help them just make sure you try and keep the 2m distance, wash hands regularly and clean down surfaces afterwards.
Below are a few more things you could do to try and help them.
Book A Home Carer
It is possible to book a live-in home carer through an agency like Country Cousins. That way you know they will have quality care at all times. You do not have to worry how they are getting on. It gives much needed peace of mind. Instead the home carer can do the shopping, cook their food, and stop them feeling lonely. I really like how the agency matches carefully matches each carer to the client. It is more than just having someone to rely on, with similar interests they can enjoy their carers company.
If they need more specialist in-home care you could consider a home carer with experience in palliative care. Especially when a family member needs more medical care or help with pain relief. On top of that they might want a home carer that can give greater emotional support, someone they can talk to about their worries and concerns. Any good palliative care plan will always look at making sure the patient can develop coping strategies to assist them in this difficult time.
Some sites offer a free progress note template which is useful in care settings. They make sure there is a continuity of care and everyone is kept in the loop regarding plans and treatment. Good record-keeping improves communication between care givers. Accurate information helps them make more informed decisions and saves a lot of time.
Food Delivery
Caring for the elderly might involve sorting out their food shop deliveries so they do not have to leave the safety of their home. I have found it exhausting sitting at my laptop late into the night trying to secure a Tesco or Asda online delivery so save your family the worry and secure food deliveries for them. It does not have to be with the big companies either. See what local grocers, butchers and farms are working hard supplying homes with produce in these challenging times. it will feel good knowing your elderly family have the provisions they need each week.
Prescriptions
Help them arrange to have their prescriptions delivered to their home. Many pharmacies are willing to deliver medication in lockdown.
Distractions
Send them something nice in the post to lift their spirits. Living alone in lockdown the elderly can soon feel isolated. Send them some happy post to cheer them up. I sent my parents and in-laws an afternoon tea delivery which they all enjoyed. You can also send pictures, artwork the children have done or even a pocket hug through a site like Etsy! Or you could send something to encourage them to start a new hobby. My mum enjoys crafting so she keeps busy in lockdown, its my dad that is getting more fed up.
Also depending on how savvy they are with technology you could set up online quizzes and bingo through a site like House Party. Basically, anything that will reduce the impact of the tedium of lockdown. When it comes to caring for the elderly looking after their mental health is especially important right now.
Pets have lots of benefits for the elderly in terms of companionship and mental stimulation. So if they are able to care for them then a pet might also enrich their lives right now.
Helplines
There are lots of useful helplines to help with loneliness. If someone elderly you know is struggling with the social distance make sure you know all the numbers they can ring for help. Some charities offer a call companion service at the moment, a free friendly phone call every week just so they have someone to chat with. Even if you regularly ring your family, they might appreciate someone else to talk too.
A very interesting post. My Mum died last year before all this but I know she would have found it difficult not to have visits from her family and friends
Like most things in life :- Sadly the two tier system of Rich / Poor makes a difference. We are told the Rich / Poor divide has widened. Yet we are encouraged to use the Equality and Diversity Philosophy, I’m ok : Your ok, Kindness, etc.
Needs are Needs, and surely need addressing. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. Yes, we are social creatures. Seems much likely that the older generation are at greater Risk of Loneliness, Social Isolation, Social Deprivation :- Possibly. As may have lost people through natural life cycle :- We are born, we may live and if so, later we die. Children grow up, may take up employment, may move away, grandchildren may be living a distance away, may be busy studying for important exams, etc, may be busy with friends, may be busy with technology. Who has the Time for the older generation? Is that Quality Time? They have needs, are they assessed? Are they addressed? Are they readdressed / reviewed? All these aspects impact on the individual, family, community, society, Nation. How is the Health of the Nation?
Personally yes, elderly relatives :- Sometimes Shielding. They are missing us, and we them. Any easing of the Coronavirus (covid 19) regulations is welcome. Though of course we want it to be done safely. People to be safe.
Have had to visit to help / assist a vulnerable person. Wearing face masks, keeping social distancing as much as possible. Deafness made communicating effectively difficult. We were asked ” Is that it over, is the virus over ? ” . I suppose to be expected from someone who has lived through a World War. Unfortunately had to say ” Not Yet ! Though hopefully soon “.
Yes we love our elderly, not because they are older, we just love them. But perhaps everyone needs to bear in mind that they have needs. They would love to be able to address those needs themselves. But are unable to. So these needs need to be addressed by others. Our Nation, Society, Community, Government, Individuals, need to work cohesively together to address Needs. Not fighting for them, the elderly do not have the energy to do so, their health is declining through no fault of their own. Equality :- Needs addressed. Wants less of a priority perhaps. There is the Third Sector / Charities which Government / Local Government / Local Authorities make use of. We are told reason :- It is less costly. Charities are Funded from Donations, etc.
Our Elderly Matter. Everyone Matters.