Senior Safety: With Stay-at-Home Orders Eased, How Do You Keep Loved Ones Safe?

After months of quarantining, isolating, and distancing from family and friends, stay-at-home orders have been lifted this summer. But for seniors in particular, is it safe to consider going out?

Unfortunately, when it comes to senior safety, there’s no cut-and-dry answer, and a variety of criteria need to be considered to come to the best decision for each individual. For instance:

• What health conditions is the senior experiencing?
• How difficult has it been for him or her to be separated from loved ones?
• Is the incidence rate of the virus waning or spiking in your area?

As a family caregiver, the best place to start is to sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with the senior. If your loved one is adamantly and fervently set on a particular activity, such as seeing the grandchildren or taking a walk at the local park, make sure he or she fully understands the potential risks involved.

Make sure you’re up to date as well on the latest news from trusted sources on any new recommendations and/or precautions. Consider this information as just one piece of your decision-making process, however, rather than an end-all perspective.

Next, broach the subject with the senior’s physician for a professional opinion and for assistance with weighing potential risk factors against the benefits of increased socialization and engagement in the community. You may also want to consult with other family members and carefully consider their input as well before making the ultimate decision on how to proceed.

Most importantly, take plenty of time to make sure you’re doing what’s best for your loved one’s overall health and wellbeing, rather than making a snap decision that you may later regret. If you’re still uncertain about what to do, it may be best to refrain from going out with the senior for now and revisit the issue at a later time. And remember that you always have the option to change your mind if for any reason you’re uncomfortable with your first decision.

Whether you and your loved one are comfortable with the decision to go out and about, or choose to continue staying at home, you can count on CareWorks Health Services to help with accompanied transportation, companionship, running errands including grocery shopping, and a variety of other services. To learn more about our award-winning in home care in Huntington Beach and the surrounding communities, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, email or call us at (949) 859-4700.