Helping Senior Family Members Adjust To The New Normal
Senior adults saw their lives changed after the pandemic started. Find out how they can adapt to these changes.
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The pandemic has had a significant impact on senior adults. Many are struggling to adjust to the new normal. Some are having difficulty leaving their homes, while others are experiencing problems with coordination and balance. Some seniors are also dealing with depression and anxiety.
It is essential to be patient and understanding with them. You can help them adjust by providing support and assistance. Here are some tips for helping your senior family members adapt to the new normal:
Encourage Them To Stay Active And Engaged
Staying active and engaged is vital for everyone, but it is crucial for seniors. When they are active and engaged, they are more likely to stay healthy and happy.
There are many ways to keep seniors active and engaged. Some ideas include:
- Encouraging them to stay involved in their hobbies or interests
- Helping them to socialize with other people, either in person or through technology
- Encouraging them to exercise regularly
- Ensure they have opportunities to spend time outdoors
- Allowing them to stay connected with their friends and family members
Senior adults should perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities every week. They should also perform muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. Additionally, seniors should perform balancing exercises at least three days a week.
Offer Support And Assistance
One of the best ways to help seniors adjust to the new normal is by offering them support and assistance. They are more likely to feel comfortable and safe when they have someone to rely on.
Offering support and assistance can take many different forms. Some examples include:
- Helping them to stay active and engaged
- Helping them with transportation
- Helping them with errands or other tasks
- Providing emotional support
- Listening to their concerns and giving advice
An essential part of offering support is being patient. It can take seniors longer to adjust to the new normal than younger people. They may need more time and assistance. Be understanding and offer as much help as you can.
The family can also look for reliable home health agencies to care for their senior family members. The agency should have trained personnel who can provide various health services. These services may include personal care, wound care, physical therapy, and more.
Checking In With Them Regularly
It is important to check in with seniors regularly to see how they are doing. This can help you identify any problems or concerns early on. It can also help you provide the support and assistance they need.
When checking in, ask how they feel physically and emotionally. Inquire about their activities and whether they are staying engaged. Also, ask if they need any assistance with tasks or errands.
If you cannot connect with them regularly in person, you can do so over the phone or through video chat.
Help Them To Maintain A Routine
Maintaining a routine is essential to help seniors adjust to the new normal. When they have a routine, they know what to expect and feel more comfortable.
A routine can include many different things. It can include their daily activities, their diet, when they eat, and their sleeping schedule. Finding a routine that works for them and helps them feel comfortable is important.
- You can help them to maintain their routine by:
- Helping them to plan their activities for each day
- Encouraging them to stick to their diet
- Helping them to get enough sleep
- Ensuring they take their medication at the proper time
If you are unsure what kind of routine would work for them, you can talk to their doctor or a professional.
Assist With Grocery Shopping Or Food Delivery Services
Grocery and food delivery services can be beneficial for seniors adjusting to the new normal. They can focus on other things when they don’t have to worry about grocery shopping. This can include staying active and engaged, socializing, and spending time with family and friends.
Grocery delivery services offer many benefits, including:
- They are convenient
- They can save time
- They can help seniors to avoid crowds
There are many different grocery and food delivery services available. Some of the most popular ones include Amazon Prime, Instacart, and Walmart Grocery.
If you are unsure which service to use, you can talk to your senior family member or doctor. They may have a preference or be able to recommend a service.
You can also help seniors by assisting with grocery shopping or food delivery. This can involve going to the store, picking up their groceries, and delivering them to their home.
The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it can be especially difficult for seniors. They may have to deal with social isolation, anxiety, and fear. Additionally, they may have to make changes to their daily routine.
However, there are things that family members can do to help seniors adjust to the new normal. By offering support and assistance, maintaining a routine, and checking in regularly, seniors will be more likely to stay healthy and happy.