How to Help Seniors During the Coronavirus Pandemic

In May this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared and end to the international COVID-19 public health emergency.  Although the accute crisis is deemed "over," it's still important to stay up-to-date on the latest vaccination, social distancing, hand washing, and masking guidelines—especially to protect those who are most vulnerable. 

Unvaccinated seniors are among the most at risk for showing symptoms and dying of COVID-19, the disease spread by the coronavirus. The CDC recommends getting fully vaccinated and staying current on new boosters as variants evolve.

As the world continues to work to slow the spread of this disease and its variants, your older friends, neighbors, and relatives are at risk for isolation and illness. Here are a few ways to help from a safe distance.

During a time of social distancing, seniors and folks aging in the home may feel more isolated and lonely without their regular visitors and activities. With church services and community events put on hold, they’re likely not  socializing much.

That’s why now, more than ever, it’s important to stay in touch with our senior friends and family.

Whether it’s through phone calls, text, video chats, or social media, keep in touch with seniors in your community. Call your grandparents, parents, and neighbors regularly to chat and keep them company.

Send letters, notes, drawings, and gifts to the seniors in your life to brighten up their day. Keepsakes like handwritten letters and old pictures will boost their spirits. And don’t hesitate to enlist your kids and friends to join you. Just make sure to wash your hands before writing your letters and sending them off.

With the world on hold, it can be easy to dwell on the negative. While talking to your senior family member, neighbor, or friend, ask them to tell stories about their career or family. Share recipes and jokes to keep the mood lighthearted. We may be stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company.

For people aging at home, it can be hard to get the supplies they need to stay healthy and engaged. Leaving your senior friends and family care packages is a great way to brighten their day and get them the items they need. Just be sure to keep a safe distance to avoid getting sick or infecting them.

For most, grocery and delivery services work well, but rural areas may not have the same options. Shopping for supplies and delivering food can be a huge help to those who need it.

Anything from bringing takeout meals to medicine can be helpful for seniors stuck at home. Be sure any food you bring is healthy and wash your hands before handling anything.

Phones, tablets, and laptops can only go so far. Drop off puzzles, coloring books, magazines, or craft supplies to seniors in your area. Anything that helps time go by faster and makes the isolation a little easier could do a lot for their mental and physical health.

Seniors with pets may not be able to leave to pick up supplies. Help out older adults and their furry friends by including goods like pet food, kitty litter, and pet toys in any care packages you bring.

Without errands to run or events to attend, social distancing makes staying active harder than normal for everyone. Thankfully, there are ways seniors can stay healthy and active during a pandemic.

Walking in the park, going to the gym, and other physical activities may be restricted, but older adults can still find ways to get the blood pumping. There are plenty of free workouts for seniors on YouTube, many of which can be done sitting in a chair. So drop a link in their inbox.

Just be careful of strenuous exercise if you or your senior friends have respiratory problems or showing COVID-19 symptoms. It’s best to consult a doctor before starting any kind of exercise regimen.

Virtual doctor visits are a great option for seniors stuck at home. There’s no need to leave the house for regular checkups and consultations (now covered by Medicare). For conditions like diabetes, this allows seniors to see their doctors without risking coming in contact with coronavirus. Plus, no stuffy waiting room!

Senior safety devices like medication dispensers, medical alert systems, and safety equipment are also helpful for any older adult living alone or away from family.

Demands at home like children, pets, and work, may keep us from visiting our senior friends and family as much as we’d like. Make it easier on yourself and your family by enlisting others to help out with seniors in your community. Get contact information for other family, friends, or neighbors who can help visit seniors and bring them supplies.

• Best Medical Alert Systems
• Best Devices for Aging Safely
• Best Wearable Products for Seniors
• Best Medication Tracking Devices
• Room-by-Room Guide to Senior Safety
• Top Coronavirus Resources 
• What You Need to Know About Medication Safety