The pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Those affected most by these changes, along with the risks in contracting the coronavirus, are the elderly. Limitations have made it difficult for them to perform their normal activities and access the resources they need to live healthily and comfortably.
At Coastal Home Care, we have taken strides to improve our services in response to the pandemic so that we are able to continue providing the highest quality caregiving services possible. Our nurses are trained to provide personalized post-operative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and hospice support. Along with our service, we also ensure our caregivers are prepared to follow local and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Here is what we’ve learned about the potential effects of the pandemic on your elderly loved ones:
Lack of Physical Activity
Among the biggest effects the pandemic has is the overall reduction and limitation of physical activity. Most of us, including our elders, end up becoming more sedentary while in quarantine, which can lead to some very detrimental health effects.
Some of these include:
- Reduced strength and muscle mass
- Joint flexibility
- Bone strength
- Higher blood pressure
- Higher risk of stroke and harmful diseases
While it can be difficult to stay active during these times, it’s best to support your loved ones by ensuring they do what they can. Take them out for a walk through the neighborhood, or help them perform indoor exercises at home with whatever equipment you have, along with some instructional videos you can find online.
Increased Isolation
Another effect that can deeply impact your elderly loved ones is the absence of family and friends due to social distancing. For many, this can lead to feelings of isolation, further leading to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
According to the CDC, such conditions can result in raising a number of health risks for elders, including an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke.
To diminish these risks, we recommend making as much contact as possible with your loved ones, whether it be by phone call, or through online video calls such as with programs like Skype or Zoom. Also, depending on your family’s social distancing practices, try meeting outside or for short increments of time.
Additionally, you can also hire a caregiver from Coastal Home Care, who is trained and equipped to maintain current health and safety standards while assisting with and caring for the needs of elderly patients.
Insufficient Medical Care
The availability of healthcare providers has also been affected by the pandemic, with many hospitals and practices maintaining strict holds on non-emergency visits and appointments.
This is done in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19, as many potential carriers could be mixed in with other patients seeking care for other conditions.
Although it is good that your loved one avoids any chance of getting sick, they may need medical care at some point during quarantine, and it could put them at risk if they don’t receive it when they need it.
We recommend having family regularly check on their condition, while also utilizing telemedicine services as a temporary alternative to a direct doctor’s visit.
Ultimately, if an emergency arises, you can and should seek medical emergency services. Hospitals and practices all take the proper precautions to prevent exposure.
Coastal Home Care: Qualified Post Operative Care in Wicomico County, MD
The ongoing pandemic has deeply impacted everyone, and while many of us are able to manage the effects, it’s important to take care of those who are more vulnerable, especially our beloved elders. One way to do this is by hiring a caregiver from Coastal Home Care.
Our registered nurses are trained in providing high-quality post-operative care, medication management, and many more personalized caregiving services. We provide regular companionship, as well as thorough health monitoring and welfare management.
Contact us at (866) 687-7307 to schedule an appointment with a professional caregiver.