How to protect older people from the coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty in many parts of the world, forcing countries to lock down to contain its spread. Unfortunately, statistics show that the highest rate of fatalities is among older people between the ages of 60 to 80 years.

To date, the confirmed cases in China show that nearly 15 percent of individuals above the age of 80 have died after contracting the coronavirus. Therefore, older people are more vulnerable to coronavirus than younger individuals.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the U.S. are implementing strict regulations that limit the residents' risk of exposure to the disease. However, some Americans have older people living with them at home, and the restrictions can be hard to put in place.

What to do if you have an elderly parent at home?

Even though your parents might not be living in an assisted living faculty, they should still be taking precautions. The Centers for Disease and Prevention advised seniors to self-isolate as much as possible, wash hands and disinfect homes. Here are some tips from in home seniors Lincoln NE experts to help your senior loved ones through these tough times. 

Limit social contact with your aging parent

If you have older individuals living at home, you're encouraged to limit social contact to prevent their exposure to the coronavirus. This means any social gatherings, cookouts or family outings need to be canceled if you want to protect the health of your loved one.

Unfortunately, isolation is the leading cause of depression among elderly individuals. Hence, it proves challenging to force your loved ones to practice social distancing when it could potentially affect their mental health and well-being.

Introduce them to new activities or start a hobby

If you are worried about how this self-isolation period can affect your elderly parents, try replacing their social contact activities with other fun things to do. For instance, find them new shows they can watch on TV or new games they can play with family members that live at home with them.

Encourage them to stay active

Additionally, if your loved one is still physically fit, have them help around the house by cooking, folding clothes or gardening. Studies show that people that stay active are less likely to become depressed. Encourage them to start doing simple stretches or exercises to help improve their mood. 

Take your loved one to the hospital

If your elderly parent has an annual checkup coming up, it is vital to call your physician to identify the necessary steps to take. Alternatively, you can get a home caregiver who can provide your loved one with the medical attention they need for optimal health.

Hire an in-home caregiver

During these lonely times, give your aging parents companionship and help by hiring in home senior care Lincoln NE. An in-home caregiver can help your aging parent remain active, stay clean and even fetch their groceries. 

Choose the best in home senior Lincoln NE professionals! At Akkase Home Health Care, we provide home help for the elderly, and we practice extra precautions to ensure we are all protected from the coronavirus. Contact us today for home care services.