The COVID-19 pandemic’s social distancing had led to an ongoing period of isolation for everyone. The end dates associated with the original shelter-in-place orders, which were to last for a few months, have come and gone. Still, the need for distance drags on with no end in sight. For seniors living alone in their homes, an assisted living facility, a hospital, a rehab facility or a nursing home, the pandemic continues to take a mental health toll. In fact, the effect of this extended period of social isolation can have the same negative impact on seniors’ health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Despite restrictions being relaxed in many states, seniors, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are realizing that their isolation will continue with no end in sight. Gone are the group meals, indoor and outdoor activities and visitors that they looked forward to and enjoyed. In one assisted living facility, residents have symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, weakness and muscle atrophy. The incidence of falls is up as well. Many seniors are complaining that their lives no longer have purpose.

With National Aging In Place Week 2020 upon us, let’s look at what we can do to help ease seniors’ isolation and, hopefully, lessen their emotional strain.

First, it is important to remember that seniors, especially those of The Greatest Generation, have dealt with adversity, such as the Great Depression and World War II, before. Despite their proven resilience, they are not likely to now own up to being depressed. Instead, they may mention physical symptoms they believe will not be perceived as weakness: fatigue, sleeping difficulties or decreased concentration.

We need to resist the urge to offer reassurance to seniors. Instead, agree that isolation is difficult. Remind the senior that is ok to be sad or even angry about it. Offer to be with them, even though it’s virtual, and tell them when you’ll be contacting them next.

In addition to offering conversation, everyone, regardless of their age, can help seniors do more than just wait through the isolation. For example, bridge the generational gap by encouraging grandparents to help younger children with their schoolwork. Not only does this arrangement help seniors realize a sense of purpose by taking a more active role in their grandchildren’s lives, it frees working parents from some of the educational burden.

Show seniors how their “down time” can help others. For example, seniors with time to spare can:

  • Create online social networks which regularly check on their members via phone or computer. Online chats can replace face-to-face visits and still meet the basic human need for interaction.
  • Offer technical support help to other seniors who are just getting online.
  • Become more active in political organizations and groups of interest.
  • Explore new ways to volunteer online.
  • Become an advocate for senior causes such as reuniting elders with their caregivers in innovative online ways until they can get back together.

Working together, all of us can help seniors weather the isolation storm in this pandemic era no matter where they currently reside.

Kadan Homecare is committed to serving seniors with excellent care wherever they consider to be home. We go anywhere and everywhere whether it’s a hospital, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility, personal home or a family home. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation on your current needs, and together we’ll make a plan that’s just right for your situation. For more information or to talk with our team, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.