Maintaining Senior Wellbeing During Self-Isolation in Victoria, BC

Uncategorized  |  April 7, 2020

It is important for senior loved ones to follow directives issued by local and federal authorities and stay safely at home during the coronavirus outbreak. However, as self-isolation can take a toll on people’s physical and mental health, it is also vital to support our aging loved ones and help them endure this difficult time.

Here is what we suggest:

Ensuring basic needs are met – Family members, volunteers, and professional caregivers who are at low risk of developing the infection can run errands, pay bills, shop for groceries, and pick up prescribed medication instead of your loved one. You can also opt to place online orders for food and home supplies and have them delivered to your parent’s place.

Keeping in touch with loved ones – Thanks to modern technologies, spending time with family and friends does not necessarily have to involve physical presence. Video calls on Skype, FaceTime, and social media provide a great way for seniors to stay connected and check how their loved ones are doing during the coronavirus lockdown.

Engaging in favorite activities – There are plenty of ways to ensure your parent or grandparent is engaged and entertained at home. For example, seniors can opt to solve puzzles, rekindle their passion for old hobbies, read a good book, play favorite music and dance along, or take one of those virtual tours many museums are hosting nowadays.

Exercise – Your loved one should get their daily exercise during this period of isolation. Whether they opt for doing yoga or stretching in the living room, maintaining their muscle tone and range of motion can help them maintain their overall health too. Moreover, many gyms and fitness professionals are offering free virtual in-home workouts.

Eating healthy – When people spend a lot of time indoors, it is all too easy to take a small bite every time we go into the kitchen. Your loved one should try to refrain from salty and sugary snacks and stick to a healthy diet rich in fruit, veggies, calcium, grain, and proteins.

Plan a big spring cleaning – As the virus outbreak makes us spend more time indoors, now is a perfect time for your loved one to clean their home and disinfect all surfaces.

Remember the holidays – Whether it is Mother’s Day, Easter, Passover, or the first day of spring, holidays give seniors something to look forward to. Your parents can make a special meal, dress up, or send gift cards to loved ones that are prevented from visiting.

Taking time to enjoy ordinary activities – There are always opportunities for meaningful activities at home that help brighten up the day. Your senior loved one should take the time to enjoy the small things that make them content, such as trying out new recipes, gardening, or talking to friends over the phone.

For those in need of additional assistance at home, Comfort Keepers of Victoria can help. Our caregivers are trained to follow recommended safety guidelines and they all wear adequate protective equipment for your additional peace of mind.

Learn more about our uplifting in-home care services and how we can help by getting in touch with our Victoria office today!

Share This Post: