How to Stay Safe in a Constantly Changing Environment

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The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the way we live our lives. Particularly since the introduction of the highly contagious COVID-19 omicron variant, most people’s focus has been on living life while mitigating the risk of being exposed.

Here are some tips for seniors and their caregivers for staying safe in today’s constantly changing environment.

Tips for seniors to stay safe in today’s world

Prioritize physical wellness

Seniors and their caregivers should continue to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and flu season in general — wash their hands frequently, avoid crowds, keep their hands away from their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces often. It’s also vital to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity, like walking or yoga.

Health professionals also recommend seniors get vaccinated and frequently test for COVID-19 to promote the highest level of physical wellness. If your elderly loved one has not gotten their COVID vaccinations or booster shot yet, here's how to register in Florida.

Avoid complete social isolation

While it is important to follow quarantine guidelines if you or a loved one has been exposed to COVID-19, seniors should avoid total social isolation. You can help your elderly loved one maintain healthy connections by encouraging friends and family to call, write notes, or send cards if they aren't able to visit in person.

Getting back into the swing of everyday life can take time, and seniors might feel cautious resuming everyday life — even if they’re fully vaccinated. The pandemic has caused anxiety for many immunocompromised and elderly individuals, so it’s important to support your loved ones as they ease back into the world.

Minimize the risk of infection

To lessen the risk of infection at this time, seniors can continue to take advantage of “no contact” deliveries, like those used by some pharmacies, and virtual appointments, such as telemedicine. Avoid non-essential travel, especially to places that could expose seniors to large crowds.

If your senior has essential errands, such as grocery shopping, ensure they avoid close contact with other shoppers or consider running the errands for them. Additionally, when dining out, it is best to sit outside or get take-out from restaurants to enjoy their favorite meals without the associated risks.

Plan ahead

In case of an emergency, such as a caregiver getting sick, it’s important to be fully prepared. Arrange for other caretakers to be available if needed, ensure your senior loved one is stocked up on food, medications, and other necessities, and talk through your plan with family members and senior living community staff if applicable so everyone is on the same page. Make sure you involve your elderly loved one so they can rest assured that they will be cared for in all circumstances.

Rely on technology

Technology can help seniors feel more involved, less lonely, and more purposeful. Video chat and messaging apps are a great way to stay in touch with faraway family members who may not be able to visit often. Seniors can also use technology to create projects for themselves to keep their minds active, like collecting family photos and creating a digital scrapbook for themselves and their loved ones.

Have questions about senior living? We’re here to help.

Welcome Home Senior Services and Placement Company can connect you with the right senior living community for your aging loved one. We represent hundreds of Florida communities and offer hands-on, concierge services to help you find the best fit for your family’s needs and budget.