Five ways to help an elderly relative during lockdown
DO you have older relatives who may be feeling very isolated? People in older age groups are already at risk of loneliness and isolation, particularly those living alone and without home internet access, so many could be feeling extremely cut off right now.
Here are ways to help...
Create a check-in rota with other family members
COULD you create a rota with other family members, so that somebody checks in with them every day? You might not be able, or have the capacity, to call them yourself every day. Making it a shared effort is good for everybody’s wellbeing – and you’ll all feel more connected as a result.
Give them a list of handy helplines
THERE is lots of support out there for isolated elderly people during the pandemic – but if they don’t have wi-fi or a smartphone, they might not know about it.
For example, Age UK, Independent Age and Mind all have helplines, some have befriending services that’ll match them with a volunteer for friendly phone chats too.
Community volunteer initiatives, such as Covid-19 mutual aid groups, are cropping up all over the country too. Many are using Facebook pages to co-ordinate – so scope out key contacts for their area.
Make sure they know there’s help available for shopping and prescription collections
YOUR relative may be aware of the advice for over-70s to stay home – but they might not know help is available if they’re running out of essentials, or need to pick up a prescription. This is where those neighbourhood support
schemes can come in handy. Local councils and the government are also coordinating support for the vulnerable and over-70s.
Talk about fun and distracting things on the phone
WHEN you do have those phone check-ins, try to avoid just talking about the pandemic situation every time. Some lighthearted distraction can work wonders for all of us.
Encourage them to remain physically active at home THEY may be missing their walks to the shops or swims and Zumba. Keeping active is vital for all of us, to stay healthy mentally and physically. Chat to your relative about ways they can keep active at home. Inspire them with some of the things you’ve been doing. If their mobility is limited, chair exercises and pottering in the garden (if they have one) are great.