Our COVID-19 Response at Elder Care Homecare. Read Now


Blog Layout

Living With COVID-19 & Caregiving For The Elderly

Apr 07, 2022


Living with COVID-19 is difficult for everyone, but it's especially hard for the elderly. Even though they may be vaccinated, they are still at risk if they become infected. In these cases, it's essential to keep the risk at a minimum.


This means keeping your mask on at all times; avoiding crowded areas and public transport, and getting regularly tested to maintain care and visitations safe. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on how to keep your elderly loved ones safe during this difficult time.



Stay In Touch While Reducing Risks 

For the past 2 years, the pandemic has shaped our behaviors and relationships. In 2020, 80% of the U.S. deaths from COVID-19 were people older than 65. It's been tough for our elderly to stay away from their loved ones.

Nowadays, in 2022, it's much safer to reunite, but the risk is still present. Vaccination, social distancing, face masks, tests, and quarantine are now the norm to get back in touch with our senior loved ones. Enjoy your time with your seniors with this simple but complete guide:


Plan Your Visit - Quarantine At Least 14 Days

Once the dates have been arranged, you should quarantine for 14 days on average. If your elderly relative lives far away, we recommend taking a road trip with the whole family.

In case you’re taking public transport (bus, train, or plane), consider starting your quarantine once you arrive at your destination.


Activities When You Get There - Social Distancing Matters

Plan your visit and activities for the outdoors. Take advantage of the sun, relax in the yard, and reconnect with your seniors. The elderly are especially susceptible to loneliness and feeling static. You can provide some sense of normalcy to them while keeping them safe with:


  • Picnic: Prepare with the family their favorite meals and share quality time with them.
  • Board Games And Trivia Night: Keeping an active mind is important; make sure you pack your favorite board games and trivia.
  • Playing In The Yard With The Grandchildren: This is one of the most beneficial, especially with kids around 6 to 12. There's no comparison with the bond between grandparents and grandchildren
  • Outdoor Cinema: Prepare low sodium popcorn and beverages to enjoy a family favorite together. In case your outdoors is spacious enough, you may extend an invitation to other seniors living in the same residency.


Keeping In Touch While Staying Apart

We understand that COVID-19 does not affect all of us equally. If your elderly has an underlying health condition, like lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, or if they are immunosuppressed, that puts them at higher risk. However, there are still chances or alternatives for you to stay in touch with your senior loved ones:


  • Video Call Movie Time: Grab your favorite snacks and enjoy a movie alongside your senior loved one. Many apps and extensions allow you to sync the movie streaming services to enjoy the whole movie experience.
  • Video Games: With different platforms and apps, you can try to find a video game to stay in touch with your senior loved ones. This can help you know each other better and find a middle ground to spend quality time.
  • Order A Meal And Make A Review Together: Food is an excellent bonding tool. Order from different restaurants and describe the taste to each other. Upgrade this idea by cooking the same recipe together over a video call and chat while cooking and eating.


The importance of these activities is to make your elders feel safe and loved. Get on that schedule and plan your next visit or video meeting with your loved ones.





Eldercare For Your Loved Ones During The Pandemic


At Elder Care Homecare, we’ve managed the pandemic thanks to our tight hygiene protocols and trained staff. We support your elderly loved ones through comprehensive care and activities to help them stay active. We do understand that family is irreplaceable, that’s why we proactively offer alternatives to stay in touch. We’re the #1 elder care provider in the New York City area.


If you’re looking for an elder home care agency, look no further than Elder Care Home Care.
Our senior care practice ensure your loved ones stay safe and accompanied in your absence!




GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Need Care For You or Your Loved One? 
We Can Help!

Call Us Today: (914) 268-6221

New York City Elder Home Care Blog

Cognitive impairment homecare
By Angelo Sta Maria 02 May, 2024
Discover the essential criteria for qualifying for senior home health care services: medical requirements, mobility limitations & cognitive impairments.
Nurse gently holding the hand of an elderly woman.
By Angelo Sta Maria 18 Apr, 2024
Discover if Medicare covers home health care. Learn about its limitations, criteria for coverage & the role of Medicare Parts A & B in this guide. Read On
By Brendan Keane 18 Jan, 2024
Being a leader in senior homecare comes with knowledge from years of industry experience. Read about Elder Care Homecare's cardiac arrest first aid here
By Brendan Keane 18 Jan, 2024
Elder Care Homecare is the top elder homecare agency in New York serving Manhattan, Westchester, and Long Island. Click here to get answers for FAQs.
Elder women choking in a wheelchair
By Brendan Keane 18 Jan, 2024
Elder Care Homecare in New York, NY came up with this choking first-response guide backed by multiple years of industry experience. Act now, click here!
By Brendan Keane 16 Jan, 2024
Technology plays a vital role in our daily lives in our increasingly digital world. One of the most significant tools we have at our disposal is the smartphone. With its many features and applications, smartphones can greatly enhance our lifestyles. This is especially true for our senior citizens. Teaching elderly citizens to use a smartphone can open up new avenues of communication, entertainment, and health monitoring. This blog post is a practical guide for caretakers who want to help their elderly loved ones navigate the world of smartphones and enhance their senior lifestyle. Let's get started! What to Cover When Teaching Your Elders How to Use Their Smartphones Basic Phone Features Every smartphone's operating system differs, so it's important to start with the basics that apply to the specific phone your elder is using. Show them how to make and receive calls, send messages, and adjust settings like volume and brightness. Photo Sharing and Video Calls Teach them to capture memories with the camera feature. Show them how to take photos, view them, delete unwanted ones, and share them with family and friends. Additionally, introduce them to video calling. It's vital to discuss video call etiquette, like asking the other person if they're available for a video call before starting one. Entertainment Apps Apps like YouTube can be a treasure trove of entertainment. From old songs and movies to informative documentaries, YouTube can keep seniors engaged and entertained for hours. Health and Wellness Apps Smartphones can also serve as health monitoring devices. Show them how to use apps that track heartbeats, steps, and sleep patterns. These features can be crucial in maintaining a healthy senior lifestyle. Navigating Social Media Social media platforms can help seniors stay connected with their loved ones and the world. However, it's important to teach them about social media safety, such as identifying potential scammers and understanding online interactions' basic do’s and don'ts. Let's Bridge the Digital Gap Together We all want our elderly loved ones to be independent, connected, and engaged in today's digital world. Yet, it can be frustrating when they struggle with learning how to use their smartphones. No one wants to see their elderly loved ones feeling left behind in this fast-paced digital age. At Elder Care Homecare, we understand you want only the best. We believe that teaching elderly citizens to use smartphones is not just about showing them how to operate a device. It's about empowering them to enhance their lifestyle and keep them connected. That's why our companion care services are an excellent option for your loved one. Contact Elder Care Homecare today, and let's bridge the digital gap together!
By Brendan Keane 16 Jan, 2024
Winter in New York City can be a magical time, especially when you know how to enjoy it safely. For seniors, engaging in fun and safe winter activities can greatly enhance their physical and mental well-being. Don't know where to start or what activities to do with them? You're in the right place. This blog post is for all the caretakers and family members looking for ways to keep their senior loved ones entertained and happy during winter. Let's dive into some of the best winter activities for seniors in NYC! Entertaining Activities You Can Do With Your Elders Can't think of something entertaining to do with your loved ones? Here are some winter activities you can try! Winter Walks In Iconic Parks Walking is a simple yet effective exercise with numerous health benefits for seniors. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and reduces stress. Encouraging your senior loved ones to take winter walks in NYC's iconic parks, such as Central Park or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, can be a beautiful and refreshing experience. Remember, proper winter attire is key to enjoying these walks! Cultural Outings Cultural outings like visiting museums can stimulate the mind and promote cognitive health. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim are just a few places where seniors can immerse themselves in art, history, and culture. Plus, these indoor spaces are warm and cozy - perfect for a winter day out! Crafting & Hobbies Engaging in crafting activities or hobbies can be incredibly beneficial for seniors. It promotes hand-eye coordination, stimulates creativity, and can help improve memory. Consider organizing a knitting session, a painting class, or even a book club! These activities can be done at home, ensuring warmth and safety. Winter Wellness Workshops Winter wellness workshops or classes can be a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy during the colder months. Yoga, tai chi, or dance classes tailored for seniors can help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Many community centers in NYC offer such classes specifically designed for seniors. Indoor Gardening Indoor gardening is a relaxing and rewarding winter activity that seniors can enjoy. It's therapeutic and offers the satisfaction of nurturing life from a seed. It's an excellent way to brighten the living space with greenery! Making the Most of Winter With Elder Care Homecare As caretakers or family members, we all want our senior loved ones to have a fulfilling and joyful life. However, finding safe and engaging winter activities during the cold months can be challenging. No one should have to feel isolated or bored during winter, especially not our elders. At Elder Care Homecare, we know how important their well-being is for you and are here to help. Embracing winter with these fun and safe activities can ensure that your senior loved ones have an enjoyable season while staying healthy and happy. After all, winter in NYC has its own charm; let's make the most of it!
Ventilator
By Brendan Keane 31 Oct, 2023
The importance of In-Home Nursing Care for Ventilator and Tracheostomy Patients.
Senior holding hands with caregiver.
By Brendan Keane 27 Oct, 2023
Communication plays a crucial role in caregiving for individuals with dementia. However, dementia can significantly impact communication skills, memory, focus, language skills, visual perception, and problem-solving abilities. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty finding words, understanding meanings, paying attention, and remembering steps in activities. They may also become confused about language and rely on the first language they learned. Expressing needs, emotions, and thoughts can become challenging for them. It is important for caregivers to be aware of these challenges and adjust their communication strategies accordingly.
By Brendan Keane 25 Oct, 2023
Understanding Stress in Senior Citizens Stress is a natural response to challenges or demands that individuals experience. In the context of senior citizens, stress refers to the emotional and physiological strain that can arise due to various factors. Seniors may experience stress due to coping with loss, worrying about health decline, financial concerns, changes in living arrangements, or social isolation. It is important to understand that stress can have negative impacts on seniors' health, including an increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, depression, memory loss, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and impaired cognitive function. Therefore, proper stress management is crucial for seniors as their bodies may have a reduced ability to cope with stress compared to younger individuals. By managing stress effectively, seniors can improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
More Posts
Share by: