Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Cocooning Tips
During this pandemic, our elderly relatives and neighbours will be finding it quite challenging as cocooning is now in place for them. Their daily routines have changed to only home activities and family visits are no longer happening.
People within this age group are prone to the risk of loneliness and isolation, especially those living alone and without access to the internet. There is no doubt that they are feeling confined.
Although ensuring food and prescription needs are met is important, caring for their mental health is very important too. It is not discussed enough but depression and anxiety can generally affect those who are older.
How do we ensure to care for our loved ones mental health during this pandemic? We have listed some ideas for you, your family and friends to get involved in.
Check-in Calendar with Family Members
It might not be possible for you to check in on your loved one each day with other responsibilities that you might have. Creating a check-in calendar with your family members means that each person gets to check in with your loved one so that you can all feel connected.
We highly recommend this as it will benefit everyone in your family including your loved one who will get to hear from you all.
Positive and Uplifting Phone-calls
During this time, it can be quite difficult to not discuss the hard time that we are all facing however, it can also add to a negative energy which is something we don’t want.
Try and keep your phone calls as positive and uplifting as possible. What should you talk about? Why not tell them what the kids have been up to at home? Or what kind of TV shows / Movies will be on that you think they might enjoy. Our loved ones are known to worry about us and at this time, they are probably worrying more about us than ever before, it is important to reassure them that you are managing the best that you can even if those new recipes you found haven’t exactly gone to plan in the kitchen!
Group Phone Call Sessions
Many people are relying on apps and technology to help them stay connected to their friends and families. With apps such as Skype, Zoom, Hangouts and House Party, people have found ways to hold pub quizzes, dance parties and other games that your loved one might really enjoy!
If possible, try and get them involved in these calls even if they do not have a computer, call them so they can at least take part.
Helpline Assistance
There are many support groups out there that are offering free chats to the elderly to deter the loneliness and anxiety they might be feeling. These groups might not be known to our loved ones especially if they do not have access to the internet.
Why not collate a list of these numbers for your loved one to have should they feel the need to get in touch with these groups? We have collated a few numbers below that are offering assistance during this time.
Friends of the Elderly
Ph: (0) 1 873 1855
Age Action Ireland
Ph: (0) 1 475 6989
Seniorline
Freephone: 1800 80 45 91
ALONE
Ph: 0818 222 024
A community support helpline for at-risk members of the public has been set up in Dublin to operate during the Covid-19 crisis.
It will allow the elderly or vulnerable people to access deliveries of groceries, medicine, fuels and advice.
The confidential phone number is 01 222 8555. The lines are open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Encourage Physical Activity At Home
With the cocooning, your loved one is unable to get our for their walks or groups that they were part of. Exercise is not only great for our physical health but our mental health too.
Encourage your loved one to try some home exercises and even if their mobility is limited, chair exercises and simply pottering in the garden (if they have one) would also be beneficial.
Encourage taking up a new hobby
With the extra free time your loved one has, they might love to try something new to switch up their days. Ask them if there was something they always wanted to learn to do, maybe it is a certain arts and crafts project or a upskilling in the kitchen with new recipes. Help them get these new activities done by giving them advice and helping them source the tools.
You can even join in with them too by also trying your hand in the kitchen with recipes and arts and craft creations. You can then discuss how you got on!
Make Future Plans
We are all taking things day by day right now as nobody is really sure when we can all see one another again but for anybody feeling sad, lonely and isolated, a little reminder that it won’t be forever might bring a lot of comfort and positivity.
What type of things would you love to do with your loved one when you finally get to see each-other again? Let them know.
If you feel that your loved one requires professional care at home and would be interested in finding out more about live-in care, please contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you and your family.