Although stay-at-home orders and social distancing have helped flatten the COVID-19 curve, they’ve caused millions of older Americans to rethink their lifestyles. In fact, many aging in place seniors who are used to being active and socially engaged are now dealing with social isolation and loneliness- neither of which are good for their health and wellbeing. If you’ve got an elderly relative who’s sheltering in place weighing the risks and benefits of visiting them can be hard. Here’s how to make the right decision. 

How Loneliness & Social Isolation Affect Seniors

An estimated 13.8 million seniors in the US live alone, which represents 28% of the total aging population. Mental health experts point out that loneliness and social isolation are two different processes. For example, someone can still feel lonely when surrounded by family and friends. 

An elderly individual can also become socially isolated for reasons like poor mobility, loss of a spouse, moving away from friends and family, or lack of reliable transportation- leading to feelings of loneliness.

Unfortunately, researchers have found that social isolation and loneliness place seniors at higher risk for health problems like:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Cognitive decline
  • Obesity
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Alzheimer’s disease 

Does My Loved One Need Me There?

In addition to the social benefits of visiting them your aging relative may need your assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, toileting, meals, and dressing. Are your worried that they may not live much longer because they’re so frail? Did they just get out of the hospital? If any of these circumstances are true, the positives of seeing your senior in person probably outweigh the negatives. 

However, keep in mind that some essential services can be coordinated remotely, like bill paying, meal deliveries, medication deliveries and professional home care. 

Take the Necessary COVID-19 Precautions

If you do decide to visit your loved one be sure to follow all the COVID-19 safety guidelines from 

the CDC, which include:  

  • Take your temperature daily and stay home if you have a fever or any other COVID-19 symptoms.  
  • Monitor your loved one for coronavirus symptoms too.
  • Try to avoid close contact with them as much as possible. 
  • Wear a mask while in their home. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw the used tissue away immediately and then wash your hands. 
  • While in the home clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like tables, countertops, computer keyboards, TV remotes, light switches, phones, etc. 

When weighing the potential risks and benefits always remember that coronavirus is more dangerous for the elderly, especially those with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or chronic lung disease. 

Stay Connected with Technology

Whether your loved one is at high risk or not, another option at your disposal is staying connected with them through modern technologies. Use a video chat service like Facebook Messenger, Skype or Google Hangouts to socialize with them, and try to include other family members on the calls too. Video chats are a reassuring way to provide your loved one with visual support and social interaction without physically being there. 

Other low-risk ways to stay in touch from afar include phone calls, text messages or emails. Oftentimes, just hearing from family members provides an older relative with the comfort and reassurance they need. For you as a caregiver technology is also a great way to stay updated on your loved one’s physical and emotional health.   

Reliable Companionship Care for Seniors in Alabama

Visiting an aging in place relative can be hard when you’re sheltering in place or live far away. When you need a hand contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency our thoroughly screened and highly qualified caregivers can step in and provide your independent senior with the care that’s needed so they can continue enjoying all the comforts of home.  

We deliver “cream of the crop” in-home services like companionship care, household duties, personal care and even live-in and 24-hour care. Our agency’s goal is lifting the spirits of both the elderly and family caregivers we serve by offering them dependable and affordable home care solutions. To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com!