by: Camille Johnson of Bereaver; Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
As the pandemic wears on, many families are looking for ways to help those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 — including homebound seniors in the community. And with these resources from the Arizona In-Home Care Association (AZNHA), community members can safely check in with seniors during the pandemic — without putting anyone’s health at risk.
Q1: How can I protect myself and seniors while performing health check-ins?
A1: Wearing face masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and distancing yourself from others can help to protect you and the seniors in your care.
- Review guidelines to protect yourself and others during in-person visits.
- Learn how to properly wear and remove a face mask.
- Wear a clear face mask if you’ll be visiting seniors who are deaf or hard-or-hearing.
- Have groceries delivered directly to your senior’s home.
Q2. What should I do if a senior seems to be struggling physically, mentally, or emotionally?
A2. If a senior seems to be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 — or another condition like depression or anxiety — it’s important to seek medical attention.
- Use the Johns Hopkins Medicine Coronavirus Self-Checker to check for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Know when to seek emergency medical care.
- Check to see if your senior’s Medicare plan covers mental health services.
- Talk to your senior about the importance of practicing self-care during the pandemic.
Q3. What can seniors do to stay connected and entertained during the pandemic?
A3. The pandemic has been incredibly isolating for many, but technology and socially-distanced activities and games can help to keep seniors connected and entertained from home.
- Explore the different types of technology that can help seniors to stay in touch from home.
- Teach seniors to connect with loved ones through video calling software.
- Keep seniors entertained with activities, games, and gifts.
- Discover some of the other things you can do to support seniors amid COVID-19.
Now more than ever, the seniors in our communities — especially those without relatives or family nearby — need our support. When visiting older adults during the pandemic, however, each of us needs to take extra safety precautions to protect ourselves and the seniors in our care. We can do this by wearing protective masks, practicing social distancing during visits, and washing our hands often.
Turn to Arizona In-Home Care Association for valuable insights and information supporting the health and well-being of seniors.