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  Let’s help our seniors safely return back to the “New Normal” and keep them safe

  Posted by Nigel on 23 June 2020 at 12:20 am

  COVID-19 has caused many changes for people across the world, and our senior adults are no exception. Although the number of COVID-19 cases is declining in a lot of countries, public health experts continue to recommend taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable individuals.

  As communities begin to reopen, precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing, limiting trips to the store, increased use of technology, and new check-in procedures at the doctor’s office could prove to be upsetting to your older loved one, especially if he or she is living with dementia, memory impairment, or Alzheimer’s disease, imagine the mental stress and confusion they must be going through at this time.

  Older adults who are living with dementia, memory impairment, or Alzheimer’s disease may need to be reminded daily, sometimes through the day, about the reason for taking increased safety precautions. They may wonder why everyone is wearing masks, why they can’t visit with family, or why they are being asked to wash their hands so often.

  Masks may make it difficult to recognize familiar faces, which could cause increased confusion, anxiety, fear, or paranoia. Calmly explain the reason for the safety precautions and gentle additional reminders when needed, to help your loved one understand you are looking out for their health.

  When our loved ones go out in public for such things as shopping or a medical appointment, prepare your loved one by explaining what he or she may encounter during the trip.

  We owe the seniors in our society more than a debt of gratitude for their decades of love and service to the country, we can start to repay that by making sure they are safe and protecting the vulnerable in our society.

  

  Nigel replied 4 years, 6 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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