Helping the Elderly to Practice Social Distancing

It can be challenging to get older parents to understand the significance of social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The elderly have a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus because of the weakened state of their immune system and possibly other physical issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors are advised to take social distancing seriously and remain indoors if possible. But what if your elderly parents don’t want to listen to you?

The truth is that facing too much resistance from your aged parents regarding social distancing might lead to frustrations and stressful conversations. If they continually ignore the advice of the CDC, Elderlink offers these tips to help get the message heard. 

  • Get A Health Expert To Speak With Them

If you observed that your aged parents hardly listen to your advice even before the pandemic started, then you should know that you might not be the right person to advise them on social distancing. The truth is that most parents see their adult children as kids. Therefore, you should think of someone your parents can easily trust, such as a health practitioner or a close friend.

  • Advice With Love And Not Control

Most times, the reason for their resistance could be how you advise them. It is best to keep in mind; this is not the perfect time to shout and forcefully restrain them from others in the neighborhood. Instead, let love lead. Let them know the reason why you want them to distance themselves from others. More so, reassure them of your constant love and how you want them to stay safe and healthy.

  • Share Information From Reliable Sources

Each day, rumors spread on various social media platforms and all across the internet about COVID-19. That information might make it challenging to know what to accept or not. It is more challenging to tell them to disregard any information they get online that does not emanate from authority sites such as the CDC.

  • Regular Communication

Most times, you might not know what your parents are going through unless you speak with them often and ask about important current events, and what do they think?. If they aren’t following the CDC guideline, again talk to them with patience and respect. We know many of us may be a bit on edge with all that is happening today. When speaking to anyone, including your parents, the conversation may get a bit heated if you find they are following the wrong information. It is not a matter of whether you are right or wrong, but convincing them to change a habit they are probably used to for many years.

While trying to encourage your parents or any senior to distance themselves from others, it’s vital to consider another risk factor, which is isolation and loneliness – the leading cause of depression in the elderly. Do what you can to offer solutions for both situations. 

Call us today, and we will assist you in finding the right senior housing to meet all the needs of your parents and loved ones. Call 800 613-5772.