These are scary times, but as with any type of pandemic, knowledge is power. How do you cope with COVID-19 as a senior? We have some tips for you that will leave you empowered and encouraged, so keep reading!

Everyone needs social time with loved ones, yet it seems that is exactly what we are being asked not to do these days with social distancing. While staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, there are things you can do to still connect with friends and family, and combat the boredom and/or loneliness that can come with such times as we are in right now.

First of all, TAKE HEART! The Coronavirus will cycle through and it will become a thing of the past quickly if we follow the counsel of our leaders and medical experts. They know more than we do and it’s important to put our politics aside and do what will keep us well. Now is not the time to get into arguments with friends or loved ones about how things are being handled. We must work together to successfully get through this time and back to normal life!

Schedule Time with Loved Ones and Friends Through Virtual Means

We are blessed to live in a world with technology that allows us to see each other as we have a conversation in real-time! Skype, FaceTime, Messenger video-calls, and many other social media platforms allow us to stay connected! If you aren’t sure how to utilize these apps, ask a family member or friend for help. It’s easier than you might think and will help you stay connected as you stay home. Of course, a simple phone call is also great!

Play Games Online

The Internet is a wonderful way to play fun games. Whether you love card games like Solitaire or Free Cell, or perhaps you love word games, crossword puzzles, or even the online version of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, playing games online keeps your brain active and lets you compete with other friends online at the same time!

Consider Online Book Clubs

Do you love to read? No matter the genre, there are many book clubs that will welcome you to join the discussion of a good book! The best thing of all, no traveling is required, and you don’t have to be in a room full of people to participate!

Watch Online Entertainment

There will be many concerts and festivals that will be canceled during this time, which is unfortunate because we are in heading into the most beautiful time of year. But, musicians and bands across the globe are taking the shutdown due to COVID-19 and using it to still play great music online! There will be bands and singers of all types who will be performing live online via live stream to allow a live audience to still enjoy the performance. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are just a few of the ways you can enjoy a great concert online!

Finally, pick up the phone and talk the old-fashioned way! Seniors may not be savvy with all the tech devices and gadgets, but that doesn’t mean they should feel lonely! If you are missing loved ones and friends during this time, write a letter or enjoy a phone call with those you love! The beautiful thing about that is, everyone enjoys getting something nice in the mailbox that is actually handwritten!

For more information on how to stay safe during this Coronavirus pandemic, please contact us today! Stay well, stay patient, and stay connected. We will get through it together!!

Home Helpers of Barrington is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including 24-hour care, live-in care, home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in Barrington, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Wauconda, Fox River Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Inverness, Carpentersville, Kildeer, Cary, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Prospect Heights, Grayslake, and Long Grove, Illinois.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Caregivers these days suffer from something known as compassion fatigue and burnout. While you may not have heard these terms before, they are very real, and you might identify with them as we continue to live in a state of emergency due to Covid-19. Just how do you stay positive as a caregiver during these times? Read on, we’ve got some tips for you!

Caregivers have a lot to deal with, juggling clients’ needs as well as their own. Even without the stress of coronavirus, you probably have had to stay positive and balance life while multiple plates are spinning. The following tips will not take much time and can also help your client who is receiving your care, making it beneficial for all involved!

Caregiving Tips for Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Learn how to take feelings that are negative from feeling stressed out, to feelings of calm and positivity, with the following tips:

1. Stop and pause. It’s been proven that in the midst of a stressful situation, simply stopping and taking some deep breaths and slowing your breathing down can help you calm down and regain control.
2. Stay thankful! If you’ve never kept a gratitude journal, start now! Nothing beats the blues better or faster than listing things you are thankful for. Someone else always has it worse than you do, so it’s usually easy to count your blessings, even in the midst of hardship!
3. Be present and mindful. This is simply the practice of staying in the present moment as much as you can. Being present in the here and now allows you to lay down worry over the past and the future. Stay present and stay thankful!
4. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help! If you are the main caregiver for a family member, professional caregiving services are there to support and help you! This will allow you to take breaks when needed and get some fresh air for yourself. Remember—home healthcare agencies are there to offer support to you!
5. Cook and eat healthy. Food is fuel, both for our bodies and our minds. Eating healthy nutritious meals is critical for a healthy and positive outlook. Take a few minutes to think about your favorite foods, as well as those of the person you are caring for. Prepare those meals as often as you can!
6. Reach out and talk to someone. Talk therapy really is super helpful and doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Whether you call a friend and chat for a few or a therapist who can help support you through the stresses of being a caregiver, talking is crucial for your mental health.
7. Get out and exercise! Moving around is good for your body and your mind. Try yoga or a simple DVD at home. Even a walk around the block will do wonders for your energy levels.
8. Listen to music. Music is some of the best therapy there is, especially for dementia patients. Find music that you and your loved one enjoy and make some new memories!

Be sure and spend time in nature and enjoy the fresh air. It will do wonders for your stress level and help you keep a positive outlook. Aging can be tough but all any of us really want is to be connected with our loved ones and stay as independent as possible. You can help provide that positive assurance that is needed, and we are here to help you! We hope that you and yours are staying healthy and positive during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history!

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Home Helpers of Barrington is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including 24-hour care, live-in care, home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in Barrington, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Wauconda, Fox River Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Inverness, Carpentersville, Kildeer, Cary, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Prospect Heights, Grayslake, and Long Grove, Illinois.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.