Have you checked in with your parents and grandparents amidst #covid19

With #covid19  and  #LockDown it is important that we do our best to check on our #Elderly! 

If you’ve been following me for a while, you will know that this has become a passion of mine. As a #caregiver to my parents it is my first priority to make sure that I don’t get infected so I have been indoors for the last two weeks and only left out for supplies, but even then made sure I had the right gear on and used the precautionary 1-2 meter rule to make sure I am good. It may seem extreme but do whatever it takes. 

Both my parents are high risk as they are over the age of 75, so it is also my duty to make sure they are well informed and that they stay at home. 

Here are 5 ways to help the elderly today!

1. Call your parents and just talk to them, check on them and ask if they have everything they need. (Food supplies, incontinence supplies, toiletries etc) It is so easy to assume that they are okay, but just watching how my mom washes her hands over and over,I can tell that she has concerns, so I constantly have to reassure her that we are safe here at home and that she is okay. (Washing hands is never a bad thing but make sure they are not filled with anxiousness)

2. Make sure they are able to call you, so send them some air time for those here in South Africa or make sure their phone bill is paid up. Just having the ability to reach out to you and say hello to someone familiar is better than watching the news all day. You may get tired of the 3 or 4 calls in a day but remember this is harder on them than it is on you.

3. Check their medication, make sure their weekly supply of medication and vitamins are prepped and easily available.

4. Add reminders on their cellular devices to eat, take their pills, read a scripture & call a friend. It may sound crazy to you but these simple reminders will help them add some structure to these lock down days. 

5. As you know today is Sunday and church is everything to our folks, try and help them log on for their service or a service online to help them keep a sense of normality. 

I’ll be back with more tips. 

I am learning that patience is everything with the elderly. 

Be patient, be kind be considerate! 

They need you!