Caring for Older Adults During COVID-19

Caring for ourselves can be stressful in the time of COVID-19. Caring for others, like older family members, can be even more taxing. With this advice from geriatric medicine physician George Hoyek, MD, you can keep your older loved ones safe and healthy. 

Practice Good Hygiene

Older adults who have health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer are at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19. That’s why it’s so important that you practice good hygiene when caring for them — and encourage them to do the same.

These guidelines might sound like a broken record at this point, but they’re critically important for your health and the health of your loved one.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch your face, because COVID-19 enters the body through the mouth, eyes and nose.
• Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Use them on countertops, door handles, phones, steering wheels, and anywhere else you touch on a regular basis.

Remember that even people who don’t show symptoms of COVID-19 like fever, cough or shortness of breath can be contagious. If you suspect that you’re sick, call your provider immediately. Have an alternate caregiver take care of your loved one until you’re healthy.

Keep Them Company

We don’t yet have an end date in sight for Indiana’s stay-at-home order, and isolation can have a serious affect on mental health. Older Americans are even more likely to experience loneliness, but planning social time together can go a long way for both of you.

• Spend time outside — If your loved one is able, taking a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to boost their mood. Even just sitting on the porch can do the trick if they’re less mobile.
• Stay connected — Even just 15 minutes of your time can mean a lot to a loved one. Pick up the phone and give them a call, or help them set up a video chat account if they’re tech savvy.
• Set a routine — Everyone’s routines have been affected by the stay-at-home order, but it can be especially hard for older people who may not have busy schedules. Stick to a routine so that your loved one can count on seeing you at set times each week.

Help with Groceries

Shopping for groceries can be stressful for all of us right now, but you can make it a lot easier for your older loved ones. If they’re able to shop on their own, some grocery stores are offering special hours for elderly shoppers and those with underlying health conditions.

During these hours the aisles are a lot less crowded, and older shoppers can take their time getting the supplies they need for the weeks ahead. Find the stores closest to your loved one and give them a call to see if there’s a certain day or time set aside for safe shopping.

If it makes you feel more at ease, you can simply do your loved one’s shopping for them. Get them some fresh produce for meals for the week ahead. Also help them stock up on canned and frozen goods so they won’t worry about running out of food as frequently.

If you’re worried about bringing the virus from the grocery store into your loved one’s kitchen, you can put your mind at ease. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t currently recommend disinfecting groceries, and the virus can’t be transmitted through food.

Just put the food away like you normally would, throw out the disposable bags and wipe down any surfaces they touched. And don’t forget to wash your hands for 20 seconds, too! Read more tips for staying healthy in our COVID-19 FAQ.