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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused populations worldwide to fall into turmoil. Social distancing measures and government-mandated lockdowns have led seniors, who have a high risk for Covid-19 complications, to remain indoors. Closing oneself off at home, however, is far from healthy.
Seniors have the greatest risk for severe illness when they contract Covid-19. Age increases the risk factor. For example, a senior in her 50s will experience less severe illness than someone in her 60s. People aged 85 and over have the highest risk for becoming critically ill from the infection.
Severe illness means the senior will have to be hospitalized in order to facilitate recovery. While in the hospital, the elderly individual may require intensive care or a ventilator to help her breathe. A person who experiences severe complications as a result of the coronavirus could even die.
Doctors, elder care providers and even the media have circulated Covid-19 facts in efforts to protect people, especially the most vulnerable age group, from becoming ill. Over the past year, health care officials have warned people to avoid large crowds and public places and remain indoors.
As vaccine rollouts continue in Illinois and other states in the country, society is becoming more at ease and less tense. Hope for a return to normalcy is on the horizon. Currently, in Illinois, people aged 65 and over are eligible to be vaccinated, and many are taking that opportunity.
In Chicago, summer 2021 activities may return. While young people, such as those under the age of 20, are more likely to participate, older people are advised to be optimistically cautious. The coronavirus is still causing infections. However, infection rates continue to drop due to vaccinations.
Is coronavirus-related anxiety expected?
It is reasonable for seniors to feel anxious about venturing into the great outdoors as they had in pre-Covid times. After all, for an entire year, older people have received ample warnings to stay indoors in order to avoid becoming severely ill with a Covid-19 infection.
Seniors who have remained indoors for months can expect it to feel strange upon going outside. Older individuals have simply lost confidence in doing things they otherwise would have normally done, like eat at restaurants, attend music concerts, or go to large social gatherings.
How do seniors alleviate anxiety and fear?
Relieving the anxiety related to Covid-19 lockdown measures can be accomplished, however. One of the most important actions seniors can take is to limit the amount of news they watch. Some news coverage is sensational, while others spread misinformation—both of which fuel fear.
However, it is important to stay informed to keep seniors safe amidst the nation’s recovery from the Covid-19 health crisis. Stick to news from reliable sources, such as the CDC, World Health Organization, and the local public health authorities. Limit checking for updates.
Seniors who avoid excessive media coverage are encouraged to ask a reliable caregiver for Covid-19 updates. A trusted caregiver will pass along helpful information without allowing the senior to become overwhelmed by the barrage of sensational news stories surrounding the pandemic.
A professional caregiver is also instrumental in helping the senior pursue safe activities outside of the home. As the nation recovers from the crisis, public places are gradually reopening. Caregiver responsibilities include incorporating safe social activities and hobbies into a senior’s calendar.
What are safe activities for seniors?
As spring rolls around, vaccinations increase and the world becomes a safer place, seniors are advised to cautiously resume outdoor activities. Safe activities include gardening and yardwork, biking on trails, golfing, and walking. Swim in indoor pools and take fitness classes that enforce social distancing.
Professional caregivers can facilitate the gradual return to normal life by providing transportation to nature paths and offering physical support as seniors walk. A caregiver can even take the senior out for an ice cream treat, provided both wear masks and practice social distancing.
Staying cooped up at home reduces a senior’s quality of life. A healthier lifestyle is important, especially when coping with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seniors are encouraged to resume exercise, get fresh outdoor air, and meditate to increase physical health and mental well-being.
The anxiety and tension produced by the pandemic is a reality. By practicing kindness to oneself and others and realizing that many seniors are experiencing the same feelings, the fear and anxiety can be overcome. Returning to a sense of normalcy will require effort by both the senior and caregiver.
Assisting Hands Home Care providers are an excellent resource for families who aim for their elderly loved one to live a high quality of life, even during the pandemic. The health crisis has caused devastating feelings of isolation and loneliness in seniors, but companion care can help.
The companion care services provided by our reputable home care agency are essential in helping seniors stay socially connected and avoid depression and anxiety. Our compassionate companion caregivers develop strong bonds with care recipients to improve mood and emotional states.
Elderly individuals who utilize our service experience less isolation. Being socially involved through the companionship provided by our caregivers helps seniors better manage stress and reduce anxiety. As a result of high-quality companion care, a senior’s life expectancy may increase.
Physical health is just as important as emotional well-being, which is why Assisting Hands Home Care providers encourage exercise. Without regular physical activity, seniors’ muscles and bones weaken. Our caregivers support seniors during walks and provide transportation to yoga classes, for instance.
Staying healthy also involves eating balanced meals. Our caregivers prepare nutritious dishes and shop for fresh groceries when seniors are unable. We maintain a hygienic home environment, too. Our core responsibilities also include discreet help with all personal hygiene tasks.
Your aging loved one will experience immense emotional and physical health benefits by choosing Assisting Hands Home Care for compassionate elder care. We serve seniors living in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Warrenville, Westmont, Wheaton, Woodridge, Illinois, and its surrounding communities. Call us at (630) 634-9316 for a complimentary in-home consultation.
Sources:
https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/fear-of-going-out-fogo-during-the-covid-19-pandemic#,https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-agoraphobia-and-coronavirus-anxiety/,https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm,https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html,https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-updates-lightfoot-on-summer-events-in-chicago-united-center-vaccinations-open-to-5-zip-codes/2459104/,https://www.cahooncare.com/outdoor-activities-for-the-elderly-community-that-fit-within-covid-19-guidelines/
