Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

Caring for our older loved ones during the Coronavirus situation can add additional stress and concern.

Help maintain relationships

Isolation can take its toll on well-being. If your loved is maintaining physical distancing practices, help the person remain in contact with friends and loved ones via technology, letter writing, or other safe methods.

Your exposure

If you are in contact with the vulnerable person and also people outside of the vulnerable person's home, take extra precautions to avoid contact and exposure. If possible, limit your outside exposure or consider shifting care to a person with less exposure.

Your loved one's exposure

If possible, keep the vulnerable person in specific locations that minimize exposure to persons who may be leaving the home or possibly are sick but asymptomatic.

Encourage outside time

Nature is a natural de-stresser. If possible, help the person get fresh air and spend time outdoors.

Necessities

If possible, stock up on necessary resources and medications to prevent running out and minimize trips.

You can only control you

If you're a caregiver, you can often be put in a position to make decisions for your elderly loved one. Do your best to help the vulnerable person maintain healthy physical and mental well-being, but remember that you can only control your own actions and reactions.

Self-care 

Caring for someone else can increase stress under normal circumstances. Your mental and physical health is important. Just as you should put an airline's oxygen mask on yourself before helping a child during an emergency, prioritize your own self-care.