How to Take Care for Elderly Family Members During the Coronavirus Outbreak

5. Keep seniors informed

Because they don’t want to feel like a burden, sometimes elderly family members won’t tell you when they have any new health problems. That’s why it’s important to talk to them regularly about how they feel and keep them informed about which symptoms they should look for and why it’s important to share them with you.

“Touch base on other medical supplies as some health concerns lead to symptoms that need managing,” Kemp said. “For example, diabetes often means lots of wound care with gauze and bandages.”

In order to make them open up to you about how they feel, you first need to explain to them how things work, what they should believe about the virus, and what not.

“Like all people, seniors are vulnerable to seeing and believing misinformation about COVID-19 on the internet and their social media feeds,” says Valerie Earnshaw, a social psychologist and assistant professor of human development and education at the University of Delaware. “We know that people who believe more misinformation is less likely to follow public health recommendations to protect themselves and others from this virus.”

“Many doctors and other healthcare professionals are taking time to talk with people who are at greater risk of COVID-19 complications to address their concerns — and it’s just one more thing for us all to be grateful to them for during this time,” Earnshaw added.

6. Look out for any coronavirus related symptoms

Kemp urges care takers to seek medical help as soon as they notice any coronavirus related symptoms in seniors. If you see your elderly family member coughing, having fever or shortness of breath, make sure to call for help, as time is the essence for them.

“Older people with pre-existing conditions decompensate relatively quickly,” says Eudene Harry, MD, Medical Director at the Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center. “With younger, healthier people, there’s usually a slope in the decline, which means there’s more time for intervention.”