It has been quite a year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and altered our daily activities. However, we are finally at the point where restrictions are starting to be lifted and, while exciting, this does leave some seniors and their families wondering what to do next.
Seniors often have an especially difficult time returning to post-COVID society. Family caregivers are obviously concerned about the health of aging loved ones, what they are comfortable with, and what they want to begin doing again. Allcare in-home caregivers can help them navigate this tricky situation in a way that ensures their safety and comfort first. Quality home care offers peace of mind in familiar surroundings and when our client is ready to venture out, our experienced caregivers and personal care aides can safely assist them during outings.
Let Them Venture Out at Their Own Pace
Some seniors may not be excited about all the restrictions that have been lifted, and that is okay! Be sure to listen to your loved one’s concerns, discuss what he or she is ready to do, and honor their requests. Let them move at their own pace and make sure that they are not doing anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Start Small
Returning to all the activities they were doing pre-COVID may feel too daunting at first, so it is best to start small. Let them begin by having a friend or family come to visit or even a quick trip to the store. Breaking the return to society into smaller steps makes it much more manageable.
Communicate
Encourage them to let those around them know if something is making them feel uncomfortable. If you or your loved one would prefer for those around them to wear masks, be sure to vocalize this request! Most people are completely understanding of everyone’s comfort levels.
Help Them Focus on Things Within Their Control
The pandemic has made us feel as though everything is out of our control. And after being increasingly careful for over a year, it may feel like re-entering protocols are just creating more things that we can’t control. But remember, there are many things that you and your loved one can control, such as who they visit with and where they go. So when things feel uncontrollable, remind them that these things are controllable, and everything might feel a little easier.
Listen To Their Feelings
As a family caregiver, you know that one of the most important things you can do is listen to your loved one’s wants and needs. They need to know that they can discuss anything with you, and this situation is no different! It is natural for them to be nervous about re-entering society when we are not sure what could happen. Help them accept these feelings as valid, without diminishing how serious these feelings may be to them.
Allcare is here to help!
At Allcare Home Health Agency, Inc, we strive to provide the best possible in-home care for your loved one. Safety, quality care, and comfort are our priorities. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing and society is beginning to return to some semblance of normalcy, it may be confusing to know what to expect next. Families are re-evaluating long-term care options. We are happy to help you take the guesswork out of this transition as we all return to society post-COVID. Call (919) 301-0236 today to schedule an in-home assessment with one of our experienced RNs.