Coronavirus: How seniors can avoid stress and loneliness using The Sun’s six-step self-isolation battle plan
FACING self-isolation or limiting your contact can be daunting for the old and vulnerable, their loved ones and carers.
Here we have expert advice, including from Age Concern’s Ruthe Isden, on how to make the process less stressful, and they advise how to avoid loneliness.
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Carers must plan for if they fall ill
CARERS may be feeling incredibly anxious about the coronavirus pandemic if someone who is disabled or unwell is depending on them for support.
Matt Jones, helpline and advice manager at Carers UK, told The Sun it’s important to plan ahead.
He says: “We are advising carers to have a contingency plan in place in case they fall ill.
“Think about what will happen if you have to go into self-isolation.
“Can you call on family members, neighbours or friends to help? Can they run errands or pop in on your behalf?”
The charity recommends a carer keeping to hand a record of the contact details for the person they look after, as well as their medication and care needs, so that they can easily share this information with someone else they trust if this did become necessary.
Matt adds: “Keep in touch regularly. This might be over the phone or by email.
“You might want to set up a video call. One good thing you can do is make sure, if they are willing and able to give it a go, that they have access to this kind of technology now, and that they know how to use it.
“Ask the person how they would like to be cared for and supported if you are not able to visit. What are their wishes?
“It is trickier if you live with someone that you care for. Self-isolation is going to be harder. But you need to follow guidance and try to separate your lives as much as possible. The most important thing is to follow Public Health
England guidance — for example, to minimise time in shared spaces as much as possible, keep shared spaces and surfaces clean, and use separate plates, bowls and towels.
“If someone you care for falls ill, you should refer to NHS guidance relating to coronavirus, and consult with a medical professional if you are concerned about a pre-existing medical condition.
“They will give you advice or instructions about what to do. They may say it is not safe for you to visit that person at this time, so it is important to stay aware of the NHS guidance and follow this to the best of your ability.”
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FURTHER INFORMATION
CARE homes will be making their own arrangements regarding visitors.
You may want to speak to the care home manager, make sure they have your contact details and ask them to let you know if visiting arrangements should change.
They may be able to help you arrange a regular telephone or video call so you can keep in touch.
Being prepared will help to make the process less stressful
People should be sensible about what supplies they buy and the effect that this may have on others.
People cannot stay home for long periods without shopping, so it is likely you will still be able to arrange online deliveries — and there is talk of prioritising slots for the elderly.
But there is no need to panic-buy. Instead . . .
LIST WHAT USUAL PRODUCTS YOU HAVE: Is there anything you can buy a little extra of? Think of practical things you can keep in a store cupboard that will not go out of date, and book online supermarket deliveries a week in advance. Consider adding a weekly milk delivery, too.
LIST YOUR MEDICATION: Look at what supplies you have left and ensure you have enough. The NHS is flat out, so maybe seek advice from a pharmacist rather than your GP. Draw up rotas. Decide who will help out, and when, with jobs such as dropping off groceries.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: For those in the highest-risk categories, what the Government has advised is self-isolation.
Do not go out unless essential, and restrict who comes into your home to only those who are absolutely necessary.
Obviously some elderly have carers and it is vital they still come. Over-70s should reduce social contact to a minimum.
Don’t use public transport or go to pubs or restaurants, and avoid group gatherings. You may have to pop out for essential items.
Ideally, you would ask people to bring these to you, or use an online shop, but if you don’t have anyone, try to visit a shop at quieter times of day and keep an arm’s length from anyone else.
SEEING FAMILY: As of this weekend, the Government has advised older people to keep themselves isolated, and that may mean not seeing family and friends.
It’s not mandatory but it’s very, very strongly advised for those in the at-risk groups. This will be hard for many, but it is an essential step if we want to protect those who are vulnerable.
You have a couple of days to prepare, so think about how you can keep in touch.
Can you set up FaceTime or Skype if you want to see your grandchildren, for example?
If you want to visit older relatives, you need to think about it very carefully.
You may be providing essentials or support but ask yourself if you really need to go, and if it is strictly necessary. Think about other ways you can cater for their needs.
Keep visits to a minimum and if you need to go to their home, you must, must, must stick to the messages about personal hygiene, washing of hands and maintaining a distance between each other so you are one to two metres apart.
WHAT IF SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED: If you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough you should stay at home for seven days. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you are staying at home, because they are not testing anyone with mild symptoms, regardless of age.
Loved ones should stay away and you should try to keep your distance from anyone you live with. The most important thing you can do is practise increased hygiene, including regular handwashing, as recommended by the Government.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP: Think about when you would normally seek medical attention.
Age Concern’s Ruthe Isden says: “If you have a cough and you are feeling unwell, but you don’t feel too bad and you think you’re managing OK, then carry on at home.
"If you start to feel very unwell and experience shortness of breath or chest pain and you feel it is serious, then contact NHS 111 Online.
"If you have no access to the internet, call NHS 111. If it is an emergency, call an ambulance but inform the call handler you are self-isolating with suspected Covid-19.”
HOW TO GET SUPPLIES: “Online shopping is an option,” says Ruthe. “This could be from supermarkets or takeaway outlets, but there are also lots of organisations who specialise in ready meals for older people.
“You may find that local groups such as the church, pub or charities provide a service akin to Meals on Wheels.
"National providers such as Wiltshire Farm Foods, Oakhouse Foods or retailers such as Cook may also be worth contacting. But they are already reporting high demand — so book well ahead.”
KEEP ACTIVE: One of the risks of self-isolation is that people become less active. Ruthe says: “We want to avoid that.
"We don’t want to end up in a position where we have safeguarded people’s health in one way but made it worse in another.
"But you don’t need to train for a 10km run or join a sports club, as there is so much people can do at home. I would recommend the excellent .
"They recommend lots of activities, some of which you can do without even leaving the sofa. You can just march around the living room or up and down the stairs.”
WE CAN ALL HELP OLD AND AT-RISK
EVERYONE must follow Government guidelines on delaying the spread of coronavirus . . .
- Wash your hands regularly. Use hand sanitiser when you are out and about.
- If showing symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days with other members of your household.
- Their health is in your hands – don’t panic-buy. People with underlying conditions are going to need that fifth bottle of hand sanitiser stored in your cupboard, well before you will.
- Think about people who live locally, with underlying heatlh conditions, who might be self-isolating. Do they maybe need food and drink brought to their front door? Pop a note through the door, offering to help, and with your phone number on it.
- The mum stuck at home with a disabled child might need provisions. Reach out to her.
- Perhaps organise a community group via Whatsapp to help these people safely.
- If you have relatives with an underlying condition, ensure they are up to date with specialist advice through charities like Cystic Fibrosis UK, Diabetes UK and shift.ms.
- When this is all over, remember people with underlying conditions will always remain vulnerable to bugs. Keep up the hygiene rules we have all learned from coronavirus.
Tackle loneliness while in isolation
NEARLY 2.5million adults report feeling lonely, according to surveys. With forced isolation being considered, that figure could be about to sky-rocket.
Kate Shurety, of the Campaign To End Loneliness, says: “For many people there will be a tough, but necessary, period of social isolation.
“This could trigger loneliness in some people regardless of their age, but those over 70 are more at risk.”
Here, she offers her advice for anyone having to remain at home alone.
TRY FACETIME: Do not rely on text messages, try to talk to family and friends over .
This can be a valuable lifeline to the outside world.
Grandchildren can read to you and show you drawings and you can talk face to face about anything you have been doing at home.
GROUP CHATS: Messaging app WhatsApp allows you to create shared chats with friends, family members or neighbours.
Lots are springing up in villages and neighbourhoods around the country.
Share messages on how you are getting on and ask others how they are.
Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need someone to leave a pint of milk by the front door.
PICK UP THE PHONE: Do not forget the good, old-fashioned phone.
A daily call can make a huge difference to someone who is on their own.
SKYPE BOOK GROUP: Read a book and then arrange a time to talk about what you have read over Skype, like a virtual book club.
You can do the same with films. Share book lists and recipes, too.
You can even bake a cake with someone via Skype and then eat the result while having a catch-up afterwards.
CORONAVIRUS LATEST NEWS
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MOST READ IN NEWS
START A NEW PROJECT: Dedicate a time each day to a project you have wanted to crack on with for ages.
Hobbies give you something to focus on.
KEEP THE MIND ACTIVE: Get stocked up with crossword and sudoku books.
Solving puzzles gives a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
They are also great for mental health and exercising the brain.
Rather than tiring you out, they refresh your mind.
ADVICE FOR VISITING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
- On entering the home of a person deemed in a high-risk group, do not touch anything with your bare hands.
- Go straight to a sink and wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
- Use soap and wash both the fronts and backs of your hands, and do not miss out between fingers.
- Do not sit as near to the person you are visiting as you normally would. Sit at least a metre away. Do not hold hands, hug or kiss.
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