Maintaining wellbeing during senior isolation
As we all prepare to keep our homes and families safe during this COVID-19
outbreak, it’s important to consider the needs of the seniors in our lives and
in our communities.
State and local health agencies are taking steps to ensure that seniors are
physically protected from the virus, including directives for those 65 and older
to stay home including shelter in place orders and quarantines directed at seniors. Many
families are searching for guidance and solutions to ensure their loved ones are best taken
care of.
This isolation can take a toll a senior’s mental and physical health, and it’s important to
remember that there are things we can all do to foster connection, hope, purpose, and
support for seniors during this difficult time.
Families, caregivers and health professionals should work with seniors to develop a plan
that allows them to take part in activities they love, follow the self-isolation
recommendations of health agencies, and maintain positive mental health.
This can include:
• Ensuring basic needs are being met. Caregivers,
loved ones, and volunteers considered low risk (those
under 65 without preexisting medical conditions) can
help seniors by running errands, grocery shopping,
picking up prescriptions, helping with online orders of
delivery of food and supplies, and taking care of other
tasks outside of the home. With self-isolation
guidelines in place, seniors should remember that
there are people willing to help them stay safe.
• Connecting with others whenever possible. Spending
time with loved ones doesn’t have to happen in-person to
be meaningful. Video calls, Facetime, texts and emails can
help seniors stay in touch with loved ones when they can’t
be together. Get the whole family in on connecting with
loved ones.
• Enjoying the things they love. Life doesn’t stop when
staying at home, talk to your senior about what they enjoy
– uncovering old favorites can lead to new memories like an at home spelling
bee, a spirited game of cards, or a renewed love of art. For any activity and
hobby, there’s a virtual version available. For those that love art, museums are
offering online tours for those that can’t visit. There are a host of music options
available on streaming services and singing and dancing is just as fun in the
living room! And, podcasts on any topic can be streamed on a phone, website
or through a virtual assistant.
• Get some exercise. It’s important for seniors to continue movement and motion
through exercise, even during a period of isolation. Ensuring a senior’s range of
motion is still intact through daily stretching or yoga is a great way to keep moving.
Keep moving by getting steps in when you can or turn up the tunes and have a
dance party in the living room! Lifting light weights at home can help keep muscles
strong when getting out of the house may not be an option. Many gyms and fitness
24 • I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky
M ay 2020