There doesn’t seem to be an end coming any time soon, as far as the Coronavirus is concerned.

For many, that means continued work from home, lack of entertainment and most forms of exercise. It also means a lack of intimacy with loved ones who are more susceptible to the virus, particularly elderly ones.

Luckily, with computers and artificial intelligence, being able to communicate “face-to-face” is still possible (if your parents know how), but being able to just “help out” has become quite the challenge. 

For those parents who have healthcare needs that need to be addressed, the feelings of helplessness can be even greater, especially with trends in ageism in healthcare, and the simple truth that the virus is rampant and pretty dangerous.

Those feelings, however, can be overcome with a little ingenuity, and here are a few tips for helping out your elderly parents during COVID. 

Preach!

Though certainly a blanket statement, many elderly people are stubborn, and the most important thing you can do for them in the fight against the Coronavirus is to constantly remind them how serious of a threat it is.

Certainly this is easier said than done with most, but it wouldn’t be a complete list without putting this one first. 

Obviously this goes double for you and any of your loved ones who are also helping provide a family version of concierge healthcare and support during the pandemic.

Testing is now more readily available, so if you do come in contact with the outside world, be sure to get checked before going back to see mom and dad again. 

Keep Them Active

The first step to being active is getting a good night’s sleep.

One of the few things that shouldn’t have changed too much even in the COVID times is the bed your loved ones sleep on, and how long they use it.

If they had poor sleeping habits before, now is as good a time as any to really encourage them to sleep well, as it builds the immune system and helps with motivation.

This motivation can lead to more at-home exercises like yoga, which also increase the immune system! 

Educate Yourself, Too

It’s important to really dig deep on things more unique to your loved ones, such as medications and eating habits.

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, but due to the fact that it has already been here for a while, there is a lot of information available that can help you create a health plan best suited for your elderly parents. 

Clean, Clean, Clean

If you’re going to be providing care, in-home, to your loved ones, it’s a no-brainer that you should practice impeccable hygiene before setting foot in their home.

While you’re there, it’s also both beneficial to their health and a nice “here you go, Mom” touch to clean their home from top-to-bottom.

This will help get any germs out from sneaky visitors that mom and dad may have conveniently forgot to mention. 

Stay in Constant Contact

Even if you can’t be in your parents’ home because you work in a high-touch job or are many miles away, you can be in their ears.

Calling your parents once a day sounds easier than it winds up being, but now, more than ever, they need you! If you have children, you can pawn the duties off on them, so long as your parents are getting some positive contact from loved ones.

Most parents love to cook, too, so a zoom night where mom or dad finally shows you that favorite recipe is another great idea!

Regardless of whether you are helping from inside the home or over an internet connection, attention and education are the two greatest gifts you can give your parents right now.

Keep up to speed on the information that comes out relating to the Coronavirus, and relay it to your parents as best you can!

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This article was written by a Healthgist contributor. Please note, this content may include links to products or services for which we are compensated. Want to be a Healthgist contributor? Send your pitch to us at info@healthgist.com

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