The second surge of novel coronavirus pandemic has once again created havoc in India forcing the hands of the government to declare partial lockdown in containment areas. If the situation goes in a worse direction, full lockdown will be implemented. We need to follow the government rules to keep our beloved parents & grandparents safe.
It is said that people above the age of 60 are at higher risk. So along with the need to avoid getting them the disease, you need to take care of their diet, mental health and physical needs. Especially at retirement homes in Kochi, we are very strict about the comfort, well being and health of our inmates.
Here are few things to adopt:
Social distancing for senior citizens:
You will have many staffs working in and out of the system to make the life of the seniors easy. It is very important to ensure social distancing among the staff, seniors and other medical helpers. Keep them informed on why it is important to maintain social distancing. As the relatives of the seniors to avoid visiting them from outside during these tough times. Leverage technology to stay connected.
Hand and respiratory hygiene practices for the seniors:
maintaining hygiene is very crucial during the pandemic. Share detailed information on precautionary measures like hand and respiratory hygiene. Show them how to use sanitisers after coming in contact with common touchpoints like table surface, doorknobs, taps, handles etc. Educate the need of washing the hands for 20 seconds and print the instructions in big letters so that it is easily readable for the seniors. Ask them to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands. As them to cough into disposable tissues, wear a mask when in a group etc.
Assisted living home for elders in Kochi needs to display the precautionary instructions in all visible areas for the seniors to remember them.
Diet and exercises for the seniors:
Diet and exercise are very essential to keep the seniors healthy and active. Minimum regular excise will ensure optimum health and fitness. They can take small walks in the facility compound maintaining social distancing.
Offer them a lot of vegetables and fruits that boost their immunity. The biggest precaution against the virus is a human body with superior immunity power. Include a lot of leafy greens, nuts, grains etc in their diet.
Management of existing health conditions:
Monthly check-ups are a routine for seniors. If possible avoid unnecessary hospital visits during the lockdown. As your in-house doctors to help you take care of the inmates regularly. Keep the prescribed medicines that they consume frequently for at least a month. If possible luxury old age home for senior citizens should hire a stay in doctor for the period of the lockdown as an extra precaution for emergencies.
All the hospitals are open to teleconsultation and e-prescriptions during the lockdown. Utilize these facilities in manageable situations.
The mental health of the seniors:
Already seniors living in care homes may feel a bit lonely and depressed. It may take a worse turn during the pandemic situation. Talk to the seniors regularly about positive things. As their families to regularly keep in touch with the seniors through video calls. Avoid sharing depressing news being broadcasted on television or even in newspapers.
If it is essential to pass on the news, try to explain it to them in a more subtle manner. Ensure they have their medicines regularly. Seniors are the backbone of our society with a plethora of life experience from which we can learn a lot.
Senior citizens are important pillars of society- they are our links to history and our windows to a plethora of vivid life experiences. Keeping them safe and crushing the curve is our duty.
