Seniors are the ones being affected the most by coronavirus, so is the safest thing to avoid all forms of contact? Governments are recommending no non-essential contact with others, so what advice should you follow:

Is Visiting Senior Loved-ones Smart?

Groups particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 – such as those over the age of 70 – should stay at home for 12 weeks. If you are visiting an elderly relative for an essential purpose, you should keep your distance, preferably at least 3ft apart, no kissing and hugging, and hand hygiene practices are incredibly important.

The best way to protect people you come into contact with is to protect yourself by washing your hands well and use sanitizer gel when it is not possible to wash. If people are worried about visiting the elderly at home, they can always maintain contact via the phone, post or online.

What Are Senior Homes Doing?

People must not visit relatives in care homes under any circumstances. Especially, anyone who has a new continuous cough or high temperature should not visit care homes and should instead self-isolate. People who are “generally unwell” should also stay away from care homes.

Entrust of DeSoto 

For the protection of our valued residents and the safety of our staff the following protocols for residents and visitors are as follows:

Visitors

We are not allowing visitors at this time to protect your loved ones from COVID-19.

Thank you for understanding.

 Residents

Facility protection action –

• ​Ask your family members or friends to avoid visiting you for the time being. We know this is difficult, but this virus has been shown to have dire consequences for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
• Ask the staff about other ways you can communicate with your loved ones, whether by phone, video or social media. 
• If there are individuals, such as an immediate family member, who need to come see you, let the facility know.
• Follow everyday preventive actions such as:
• ​Washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Covering your cough and sneezes 
• Ask other individuals (including staff) to avoid touching you with handshakes, hugs or kisses. Ask them to wash their hands. Do not be shy! It’s okay to remind people. 
• If you begin to experience coughing, sneezing or a fever, tell a staff member immediately.

How to Keep Positive During These Worrisome Times

It can be as simple as putting up photos of people you care about or limiting the time you read the news. 

Other examples can be:

• stay active by cleaning, dancing, or doing seated exercises
• get as much sunlight and fresh air as they can
• join an online support community

There are also steps to help prevent loneliness in those avoiding contact or staying at home.

Those staying at home should make sure they find time to do things they enjoy, such as watching TV, reading, writing, art or cooking. Ensuring you feel stimulated and have fun protects against loneliness and improves your general well-being. Remember there are other ways to connect with friends and family – for example, phone, email, social media. Talking to people about your worries, about feeling lonely, or simply just about your day, helps.

Other Ways to Help

Some practical ways to help your senior loved one are running errands on their behalf or picking up medication and groceries for them. Families need to make sure elderly people have the supplies they need, but  a balanced approach rather than panicked stockpiling. Both the government and supermarkets have urged people not to stockpile goods.

Since visiting residents in senior homes isn’t possible at the moment, you can spend time together in other ways – setting up a family group chat or playing games online. If online communication isn’t possible, never underestimate the value of a regular simple phone call to offer social contact and support.

This is the time that our senior population needs our love and support more than ever – Provide them with reassurance.

Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas

Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.