How To Help The Elderly During The National Lockdown

A second national lockdown began in England on Thursday 5th November. While the lockdown will help to curb the rise in coronavirus infection, it also brings concerns for the most vulnerable in our communities. Lots of the most vulnerable groups in our society have been isolating the entire time. While this is the best way to avoid the virus, it can have a significant impact on mental health. Naturally, people want to ensure that their elderly loved ones are safe and well during this second lockdown. The mental health charity, Mind, has begun an emergency appeal to encourage donations as demand for mental health support increases. Whether you choose to donate money or not, here are some of the best ways to help older people through the coronavirus lockdown.

What are the New National Lockdown Rules?

The rules are virtually the same as the first lockdown but are as follows:

All non-essential shops are to close.
Hospitality venues are to close.
If you can work from home effectively, do.
Stay at home, except when shopping for essentials, going to work/education, caring for someone vulnerable, exercising, or attending to medical needs.

You can find a full and comprehensive list of the rules on the government website.

Helping with Shopping

Coronavirus poses a bigger risk to older people than the rest of the population on average. Often, preexisting health conditions can weaken the immune system or make symptoms more dangerous. As more of us need to stay at home, demand for grocery delivery slots is increasing. One of the most helpful things you can do for the older people in your life is to offer to go to the shops on their behalf.

If you do this, be sure to follow social distancing guidelines. Leave food at the doorstep where possible in order to minimise contact.

Video Calls

As time goes by, and more older people are embracing modern technology. However, some older people might be unfamiliar with smartphones, tablet, and video-calling software like Zoom, which we have all come to depend on this year. If you are able to help them get set up with video calls, it can be incredibly helpful in reducing feelings of loneliness. To see friends and family on a regular basis – even just on a screen – will mean a lot during this second national lockdown when meeting up in person is not possible.

Offer Help to Elderly Charities

One of the biggest worries with a second national lockdown is heightened feelings of loneliness and depression. There are a lot of ways that anyone can help with this, such as volunteering to be a telephone friend. Telephone friendship schemes pair volunteers with people in need of companionship to have regular phone conversations. This has been a really great way for the elderly to keep in touch with the outside world. Some people may not have close family or friends to call, so getting regular phone calls from a volunteer can make someone’s day in isolation.

Careline365 – Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe

We know that being unable to see your loved ones can be very distressing, particularly in these unpredictable times. A Careline365 alarm can give you and your elderly loved one enormous peace of mind. A Careline alarm allows the user to call for help with just the touch of a button. This is incredibly helpful for those who might be prone to falls, especially if they have a fall and cannot reach a telephone. Our trained Emergency Call Handlers are able to assess the situation quickly and arrange appropriate help fast.

For more information on the Careline alarm service, call our friendly team on 0800 101 3333 today or get in touch online. You can also order an alarm online today.