Care & support elderly

It is time when our elders need more care than ever. However, it is difficult to do so if your parents don’t live with you. Rajit Mehta shares tips that can help

These are trying times for all of us. With COVID-19 cases rising every day and social distancing becoming the norm, we are struggling with being there for our friends and family the way we usually would. Especially if you have senior parents that don’t live with you.

Families need to create a shield for seniors in the family to ensure they’re taken care of and have a better chance of protection against COVID-19. Here are a few tips to make life easier for the elders in the family during the pandemic, even if you’re not living with them:

Take care of their mental health: Understand and address the vulnerabilities seniors in your family might be dealing with. It is important to ensure you are able to help them process what is happening around them, the situation they are in, and the repercussions they are dealing with.

• Check on them regularly. While they may know you’re there for them, regular catch ups can serve as reminders. Talking about their situation can also help them process it better, in a healthier way.
• Address any concerns they may have and talk to them through the solutions you’re providing.

For instance, if they are living alone and are worried about the task of going and getting essentials, you can arrange for them to be delivered, while explaining the process and asking them for their opinion. Making them a part of the solution can help them deal with anxiety.

Take care of their emotional health: It is important for them to convey what they are feeling. They need to be able to manage and express the emotions that arise from what they are experiencing. You can help them by:

• Getting accustomed to digital modes of communication that can help add a touch of intimacy through video calls and photo exchanges. Encourage them to touch base with friends and family as often as possible on video calls.
• Befriending their neighbours, while maintaining social distancing. A neighbour can be a huge help, especially when you are away. Small gestures like fetching groceries, checking-in in person, sharing a home cooked meal can make a huge difference.

Take care of their physical health: Ensure they have access to fresh, nutritious food, their medication, and are able to get ample exercise.

• It is important to ensure they eat sensibly. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables, timely cooked meals and cutting down on processed foods can help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• If you live in a different city/ country, ensure they have an emergency contact.

Take care of their occupational health: Ensure they keep busy. If they are constantly occupied in one activity or the other, it will help them keep their head above the water.

• Create mobility and ensure they exercise. Small walks around the house, some yoga/breathing exercises can go a long way.

The writer is CEO & MD, Antara