Maintaining Senior Well-Being During COVID-19 Isolation

COVID-19 Isolation | As we all prepare to keep our homes and families safe, it’s important to consider the needs of the seniors in our lives and in our communities, especially, maintaining their well-being during COVID-19 isolation.

Provincial and local health agencies are taking steps to ensure that seniors are physically protected from the virus, including directives for everyone especially those 65 and older to stay home and the closing of non-essential services. Many families are searching for guidance and solutions to ensure their loved ones are best taken care of. This isolation can take a toll on 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;

Maintaining Senior Well-Being During COVID-19 Isolation 

Ensuring basic needs are 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 people are 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 to assist with their well-being during COVID-19 isolation

Enjoying the things they love: Life doesn’t stop when staying at home, talk to your senior about what they enjoy – uncovering old favourites 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 who love art, museums are offering online tours for those who can’t visit. There are a host of music options available on streaming services and singing and dancing are 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: Seniors need 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 professionals are offering free virtual workouts to do at home, for those that have permission from their physician to exercise.

Maintain a healthy diet: When we spend a lot of time at home it’s often easy to grab a bite anytime we pass the kitchen. It’s important to keep in mind healthy options when snacking – avoid too many salty or sweet snacks. And, when meal prepping remember the food pyramid – fruit, veggies, calcium, grain, and proteins.

It’s a great time for spring cleaning: Not only is disinfecting surfaces in the home a recommended step to avoiding Coronavirus, but it’s also a good time to consider a larger spring-cleaning project. And, a spring refresh doesn’t have to be a chore – seniors can make housework fun by playing upbeat music or using the time to look at photos and mementos with loved ones.

Spring serves up holidays that are pure fun: Seniors and their loved ones should make it a point to celebrate occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, Passover, and the first day of spring. Whether it’s making a special meal, dressing up, or sending cards to loved ones, holidays offer lots of opportunities for connection – even when families aren’t together.

Find joy in everyday activities: Take time to enjoy the small things – card games, baking projects, a good cup of coffee, a phone call with a friend, eating your favourite food. There are always opportunities for meaningful moments and joyful days with a little planning, conversation, and intentional action. These small and routine things can go a long way in maintaining well-being during COVID-19 isolation.