How to Safely Enjoy Celebrating the Holidays with Seniors During COVID-19

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senior man on video call

Think about the most ideal holiday season you are able to imagine. While that image will vary slightly for every one of us, it could include gifts, good food, lights, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly rings true for everyone is the happiness in spending time with the people we love.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to rethink how to safely enjoy celebrating the holidays with seniors. With a little bit of ingenuity and creativity, however, it’s quite possible to bridge the gap while making new memories with the seniors you love, even if you can’t be with them in person this season.

Our aging care professionals have compiled several tips to allow you to get started:

  • Adjust traditions. Consider the traditions that mean the most to you and your family, and how you can alter them to keep everyone safe. For instance, if everyone usually gets together each year to bake cookies, try using Zoom or a comparable platform to stay connected while making cookies from home. Choose a favorite recipe, have everyone log on at a specific time, and bake away while visiting and listening to some holiday music.
  • Don’t forego decorating. Seniors who live alone often look forward to having loved ones, especially grandchildren, visit to help with holiday decorating. Without in-person visits, older adults may not be motivated to bother with decorations. Again, using a software app like Zoom, plan a time for everyone to get together online and share the stories behind favorite decorations.
  • Enjoy the wonderful outdoors. If weather allows, plan short visits with seniors outside, safely socially distant and with face coverings. String lights on trees around the yard and decorate the front porch.
  • Send smiles. Pictures, cards, letters, telephone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean a great deal to older adults who are missing time with loved ones. Coordinate with members of the family to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways similar to this so that your older senior loved ones are flooded with expressions of love.
  • Share your feelings. There is nothing quite as heartwarming as hearing from someone you love about the impact you’ve made on his or her life. Take this time to convey your thankfulness towards the older adults you love for the difference they’ve made in your daily life, and be specific: “Grandma, your patience with me when I was a teenager taught me what unconditional love looks like, and thanks to you, I’m a more patient person with my own kids.”

Generations at Home’s St Petersburg home care providers are experienced and fully trained in improving wellbeing for seniors at home and follow stringent safety protocols for every person’s protection. Contact us at 727-940-3414 to learn how we can help make this holiday season the very best it can be for a senior you love.

Which Home Care Options for Elderly Parents Are Safe Right Now?

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Elderly disabled man with mask sitting in wheelchair, assisted by young female caregiver outdoorsFor the past several months, family caregivers have had to handle seemingly unsurmountable challenges in connection with the care of the older adults they love. With COVID-19’s particular dangers to senior citizens and people with underlying health conditions, such as COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others that are common in older adults, families have struggled with just how to best protect and keep their older loved ones safe.

To that end, some families made the very difficult choice to temporarily stop home care services in order to prevent having anyone outside of the family come into the home – meaning the family members were unexpectedly responsible for full-time senior care. Without a care partner, this alone is often incredibly stressful, but add to this the various other new responsibilities and concerns set off by the pandemic, such as shifting to working virtually, taking care of kids who could no longer attend school or daycare, and much more.

To say it is been a stressful time is an understatement, but now, with many different new safety protocols established, is it safe to once again bring in a professional in-home care company to help?

Generations at Home has continued to deliver safe, trustworthy caregiving services for seniors throughout the pandemic, in accordance with all recommended guidelines. When you are prepared to look into in-home care options for elderly parents, keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Work with an experienced home care company, like Generations at Home, that has a well-thought-out COVID-19 plan in place – and ask for information regarding that plan.
  • Plan to be there once the caregiver arrives the first time to ease any concerns you may possibly have, such as making certain he/she is wearing a face covering, washing hands often, sanitizing surfaces, etc.
  • Speak to the older adult’s doctor about any concerning health problems and also to get suggestions for any extra safety measures that should be taken during caregiving visits.

The experts in senior care in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas at Generations at Home are always here to answer any questions you might have as well as share details about the steps we’re taking to safeguard the older adults in our care, such as:

  • Wearing face coverings and other personal protective equipment as appropriate
  • Properly sanitizing and disinfecting any items brought into the seniors’ homes
  • Making sure all care staff are healthy through wellness assessments and routine temperature checks
  • Engaging in safe social distancing protocol
  • And much more

Contact us at 727-940-3414 any time for more information on the countless benefits of professional in-home care, and how we can assist an older adult you love live life to the fullest – safely and comfortably within the familiarity of home.

Should You Schedule Elective Medical Procedures During the Pandemic?

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masked senior man talking with healthcare professionalThe COVID-19 pandemic put our society on pause, including, among many other activities, appointments and elective medical procedures. In fact, nearly one-half of all adults either canceled or put off routine care and elective medical procedures since the coronavirus crisis began, leading medical professionals to become worried about the consequences.

Even as we tentatively aim for a new normal, it is essential to talk with your doctor about any procedures you might have been contemplating pre-pandemic, and to get answers to these particular questions that will help you measure the safety of following through with them now.

  1. Is the medical facility where I will be taken care of also treating COVID-19 patients, and are the same medical faculty who will take care of me also caring for the COVID-19 patients? If that’s the case, what safety measures are in place to guarantee my safety?
  2. What is the facility’s cleaning/disinfecting protocol?
  3. Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 before my treatment?
  4. Are medical personnel being tested for COVID-19? If so, how often?
  5. Do I have to wear a mask? Gloves? Any other personal protective equipment?
  6. Are there any items that are prohibited from being brought with me, such as books, clothing, a phone or laptop?
  7. May I complete paperwork beforehand?
  8. May I wait outside or in my car until I’m called in for my procedure?
  9. Can a relative or caregiver come with me?
  10. Is follow-up provided in person, or am I able to utilize telehealth?

Additionally, there are post-procedure considerations to think through. Many people face concerns with regards to the possibility of contracting COVID-19 after being in the hospital, so talk to your physician about the need to self-monitor for symptoms, along with recommendations on any extra safeguards you might take, such as avoiding contact with other individuals for a period of time, wearing a mask or gloves in the home when others are there, additional sanitizing measures to take, etc. Your health care provider may recommend taking your temperature and oxygen levels at home. In that case, make sure you obtain a thermometer and pulse oximeter.

Once you are satisfied with the answers you’ve received and with the assurance that the procedure is safe to schedule, get in touch with Generations at Home. Our transitional care services will help make sure everything is taken care of before, during, and after your procedure, including transportation, picking up groceries and prescriptions, helping you get settled in back at your home and monitoring for any variations in condition, and so much more. Reach out to us any time at 727-940-3414.

With the Pandemic, How Do You Keep Seniors Safe When Venturing Out?

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senior woman outside with male caregiverAfter months of isolating, quarantining, and distancing from friends and family, many people are venturing out. Nevertheless, for seniors in particular, is it safe to think about going out?

Regrettably, there is no cut-and-dry answer, and a number of criteria must be considered to come to the very best decision for every individual. For example:

  • What health conditions is the older adult experiencing?
  • How difficult has it been for him or her to be separated from loved ones?
  • Is the incidence rate for the virus subsiding or spiking in your community?

As a family caregiver, the best place to get started is sitting down and having a one-on-one discussion with the older adult. If your senior loved one is unwaveringly and strongly set on a particular activity, such as seeing the grandchildren or going for a walk in the local park, make certain he or she thoroughly understands the possible risks involved.

Make sure you are up to date as well on the current news from trusted sources on any new precautions and/or recommendations. Look at this information as only one piece of your decision-making process, however, rather than an end-all perspective.

Secondly, broach the subject with the older adult’s medical doctor for a professional opinion and for advice about weighing potential risk factors against the benefits associated with increased socialization and engagement in the community. You might also wish to seek advice from other close relatives and carefully consider their input as well ahead of making the final plan on exactly how to proceed.

Above all, take ample time to make sure you are doing what is most beneficial for your loved one’s all around health and wellbeing, rather than making a snap decision that you might later regret. If you are still uncertain about what to do, it might be wise to refrain from heading out with the senior for the present time and revisit the matter at a later date. And keep in mind that you always have the opportunity to change your thinking if for any reason you are uncomfortable with your first decision.

Whether you and your family member are comfortable with the choice to go out and about, or make the decision to continue staying at home, you can count on Generations at Home to help with accompanied transportation, companionship, running errands including shopping for groceries, and a variety of other types of help and support, always in compliance with proper safety protocols. Contact us at 727-940-3414 any time for additional information, or to schedule a free in-home assessment.

Resources and Tips for Seniors Living with COPD During COVID-19

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treatment at home by inhalationThose diagnosed with COPD have needed to stay especially watchful since the COVID-19 pandemic started, as they are likely at both a much higher risk for contracting the virus as well as for developing more severe complications from it. A recent research study published by the European Respiratory Journal reported that people with COPD were more likely to be admitted to the ICU, require ventilator care, and succumb to the virus compared to those without the disease.

And even though the CDC gives recommendations for all of us, including those diagnosed with COPD to avoid getting the illness, such as frequent handwashing, social distancing, and staying home whenever possible, one advisory is particularly a struggle for an individual with breathing difficulties: wearing a face covering. The American Lung Association suggests that individuals diagnosed with COPD try a number of various kinds of coverings to discover the one that’s most comfortable, and wear the mask around the home for brief amounts of time to become more used to the feeling.

Additional suggestions include:

  • Continue to manage your COPD as recommended by the physician, with modifications to curb your exposure to other people, such as telehealth appointments and mail-order prescriptions.
  • Boost your body’s defense system with a healthy and balanced diet and plenty of rest, and make sure to follow the physician’s recommended treatment plan.
  • Take good care of your emotional health to minimize anxiety and stress. Switch off the news and social media and take part in soothing and gratifying activities instead. And make certain to consult with a mental health professional as needed for help with managing stress and preventing depression.

Of particular importance for anyone with COPD is the need for regular physical exercise. According to David Au, MD, professor at the University of Washington Medical School’s division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, because COPD causes shortness of breath, physical activity is particularly challenging. He, as well as the Respiratory Health Association, recommend (with physician approval):

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis, at least three times per week.
  • Try leg lifts, marching in place, and arm circles, making use of canned goods or small weights.
  • Go up and down stairs.
  • Include deep breathing exercises.

These resources offer more useful information targeted to COPD considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic:

For specialized in-home care for individuals diagnosed with COPD as well as other chronic conditions, call on Generations at Home. Our staff are fully trained and knowledgeable in providing individualized care in order to make life safer and much more enjoyable. You can reach us any time at 727-940-3414.

Best Ways to Provide Alzheimer’s Care During COVID-19

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senior wears a mask to protect against viruses and bacteriaLoneliness. Confusion. Isolation. These feelings have become commonplace for a number of us during the COVID-19 pandemic, but when you factor in the challenges of dementia, the difficulties and frustrations are heightened to a completely new level.

Take, for example, the short-term memory loss inherent in dementia. A family caregiver searching for the proper way to explain why the senior won’t be able to venture out for coffee, get a haircut, or visit with the neighbors may need to offer up that explanation several times – often in the same day.

Sue Spalding, Chief Executive Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota, North Dakota Chapter, stresses the necessity of helping individuals with Alzheimer’s to minimize unnecessary stress, which can accelerate the progression of the disease. So just how can family members best help their senior loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease to calmly navigate life during a pandemic? Here are some helpful tips:

  • Stay calm. Even though you may feel stressed and overwhelmed because of the state of the world, it is best to steer clear of talking about alarming issues and even watching the news with an individual with Alzheimer’s. Make sure to determine an appropriate outlet for your feelings, however – your partner or other members of the family, a therapist, or trusted friend.
  • Maintain routines. Of course, certain previously enjoyed routines that include outings or visits with loved ones might need to be placed on hold; however, maintain a predictable schedule in the home that’s comforting to the senior, such as a set time for meals, exercise, hobbies, and bedtime.
  • Institute a backup plan. If you were to become ill, who would be qualified to step up to care for your senior loved one? Strategizing now, prior to when the need arises, is critical. Partnering with a skilled home care agency, like Generations at Home, is the ideal solution, and it’s an excellent idea to arrange for regular respite care now, to help a loved one become familiar and comfortable with having another caregiver inside your home.

And always remember, it is very important for you to take good care of yourself, too! Don’t forget to set aside time each day for relaxing, enjoyable activities to let you unwind and destress, to remain connected with family and friends, to adhere to a healthy diet and fitness regimen, and to get lots of sleep. If carving out time for yourself is a struggle, let us know – we have the solution you need!

While we all continue to wait for a vaccine or effective treatment option for COVID-19, be aware that Generations at Home is equipped and ready to safely care for seniors, especially those diagnosed with dementia, following all recommended protective guidelines. Give us a call at 727-940-3414 to arrange an in-home consultation to learn more.

The 6 Best Resources for Seniors and Caregivers to Navigate COVID-19

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Identifying where to turn with regard to the latest, most reliable information on COVID-19, particularly as it pertains to seniors and people who care for them, is important – and can be difficult. With so many sources and different viewpoints on this important topic, we want to help make it simpler to locate what you need by sharing the following list of reliable resources.

  • COVID-19 Guidance for Seniors: The CDC’s COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults web page contains a great deal of information, such as help determining who is at higher risk, symptoms, how to safeguard yourself, a checklist for your house, stress and anxiety coping recommendations, and so much more.
  • Coronavirus: What Seniors and People With Disabilities Need to Know: ACL provides information on what seniors and people with disabilities need to be aware of to reduce the risk of catching and spreading the virus, including warning signs, state-by-state regulations, and a thorough directory of federal and non-federal resources.
  • AARP Answers Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19: AARP keeps an ongoing bulleted list of the current information connected with COVID-19, plus what seniors should do to reduce their likelihood of contracting it and answers to several common questions.
  • Resources and Articles for Caregivers on COVID-19 Safety: The Family Caregiver Alliance offers caregiver-specific resources and articles to help family caregivers enhance the protection of the older adults within their care.
  • Extensive Frequently Asked Questions List on Caregiver COVID-19 Issues: DailyCaring, an award-winning website dedicated to caregivers, created a commonly asked questions page to supply answers to many questions, including safeguards to take when visiting an older adult’s home, simple tips to sanitize packages, proper handwashing techniques, and much more.
  • NAHC COVID-19 Senior Care Tips: The National Association for Home Care & Hospice advocates for the scores of older adults who receive in-home care, and also for people who provide that care. Their COVID-19 reference page provides articles, webinars, interactive tools, and much more.

For additional resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and for safe, dependable, in-home care to enhance wellness and comfort for the seniors you love, call on Generations at Home today. Following a stringent protocol to ensure the safety of the older adults we serve, we can help with a variety of important services, such as:

  • Grocery shopping and running other errands, to enable older adults to remain safe at home
  • Preparing healthy and balanced meals
  • Companionship to help relieve loneliness and stress through conversations, films, hobbies/interests, games, puzzles, and more
  • Keeping the house thoroughly clean and sanitized
  • Medication reminders
  • Specialized care for people diagnosed with dementia
  • And many more

Call Generations at Home at 727-940-3414 for a consultation within the safety and comfort of home, to find out how our home care services can help your loved ones.