Tips for Moving Your Elderly Parents Into Your Home During COVID-19
According to a 2017 census, there are around 47 million seniors living in the United States. With the current pandemic, many adults are worried about elderly loved ones either living alone or in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. These seniors are at the highest risk for developing complications from the virus. Concerns are warranted with surging coronavirus cases in elder care facilities across the country.
If you’re in this situation, you may be thinking of caring for your elderly loved ones at home to help protect them. Providing care for your elderly parents can be a tremendous challenge. You can help make the process easier by preparing yourself in advance and by learning what you can expect. Here are tips for moving your elderly parents into your home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Figure Out a Living Space
It’s a good idea for your elderly parents to have their own private living space when living in your home. This will help protect them from accidental exposure from other family members who may work or go to school outside the home. You may want to limit direct contact with your elderly parents to one designated caregiver. Personal items within the home should not be shared among family members.
This living space also needs to be equipped with any mobility or safety devices that your elderly parents need. Is the entrance of your home wheelchair accessible? Are there any potential safety hazards that could cause them to trip and fall? Install ramps and guard rails around the stairs and in the bathroom. Make sure there is plenty of space for them to get around with walkers and wheelchairs if needed.
Consider Your Financial Resources
The pandemic has caused a major financial strain for many families. Many adults are either working from home or have lost their income. Your elderly parents may have medical conditions that require frequent care from a healthcare professional. These services can be expensive for many families during these unprecedented times. Simple monthly expenses for food and prescriptions can cost caregivers over $5,000 annually.
There are many local, state, and federal programs available that can help you offset these financial costs. Social media groups for your community have volunteers that are willing to help with meals, clothing, and other needs. Contact a Medicare representative or your elderly parents’ private insurance provider to find out what items may be covered under their policy. You can apply to receive income as a caregiver with your state government and recoup costs on your tax returns. Make sure to stock up on pantry items and a 30-day supply of prescriptions.
Be Aware of Your Elderly Parents’ Medical Needs
Your elderly parents may have certain medical conditions that can create unique issues during the pandemic. Seniors with cognitive dysfunctions such as dementia can struggle with changes. Their symptoms can escalate, and they may need more reminders to perform simple tasks. Practice patience and keep your elderly parents mentally stimulated. Projects that help keep them occupied can give them a sense of purpose and control amid situations that appear chaotic and unfamiliar.
During the pandemic, it’s also important to practice proper hygiene and household sanitization. Make sure everyone in your home washes their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean commonly touched household surfaces and medical equipment with EPA-registered disinfectants. Use telehealth services to help stay in touch with medical professionals for routine care. Wear masks and other personal protective equipment as much as possible to help reduce exposure.
Secure Backup Caregivers
Using outside caregivers is a concern for many families during the pandemic. You may desire to take on all of the caregiving duties yourself to limit potential exposure. However, you may want to have a network of potential caregivers to access if needed. If a caregiver gets infected with the virus, someone else should be available to step in to care for your elderly parents. Many professional health care providers are practicing extra precautions in order to prevent transmission of the virus.
Keep Social Connections
Physical distancing is an integral part of limiting exposure to the virus. However, social isolation can have a significant negative impact on a senior’s mental health and physical wellbeing. Use video chat technology and social media to help your elderly parents stay in touch with the outside world. There are apps you can use that can provide captions if your elderly parents have hearing difficulties. You can also have others call or write letters to your elderly parents.
Make sure your elderly parents get plenty of fresh air, even if it’s only regulated to your yard. It can give your loved ones the chance to say hi to the neighbors from a distance and boost their mood. Try to go on walks around the neighborhood to make sure your parents get plenty of exercise. You may want to consider enrolling your elderly loved ones in online classes where they can meet people and exercise their brains.
Prepare for the Unpredictable
The coronavirus can wreak long-term havoc on a person’s health, and possibly even death. It’s important to prepare for the unpredictable with end-of-life planning. Make sure that your elderly parents have a will, advance directives, and a durable power of attorney in place. This will help reduce the strain on family members if your elderly parents get sick. These documents will make sure that your parents’ wishes are honored if they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
There’s no guarantee of preventing the transmission of COVID-19 when you remove your elderly parents from a facility to live with you. However, you may be able to reduce the risk significantly. Use these tips when moving your elderly parents into your home to ensure their overall safety and wellbeing. Becoming a caregiver can be challenging, but there are plenty of resources available to assist you. You’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing that your elderly parents will be well cared for in your own home during these unprecedented times.