Second Covid wave in India Expert’s opinion for senior citizens

                  Second Covid wave in India: Expert’s opinion for senior citizens

Does it make you fret every time when your parents go out for a walk? Or do you get terrified for your grandparent’s health with the thought of visiting them? It’s been almost a year since the pandemic struck India, and the second wave of Covid has already begun.

As scary as it sounds if taken proper precautions we all can remain protected and healthy. And, it is important that we look after our elders at this crucial time.

Experts have a little advice for our elderly, which can help them stay alert, so we can continue to shower our unconditional love on them.

Dr.Kumar who has developed an advisory on protecting the elderlies has given the following advice :

 1. Precautions at home: They must stay within the house at all times and avoid taking visitors. If it is essential to see someone, a strict social distancing of one meter should be followed. If an elderly stay alone, providing essential items to the elderly is required by someone healthy in the neighborhood.

2. Precautions while socializing: If meeting someone is inevitable, avoid hugging, shaking hands, and talking closely. Social gatherings should be avoided at all costs by the elderly.
Wash hands and face at regular intervals. Touched surfaces and objects should be cleaned with disinfectant. eg. cleaning spectacles regularly.

3.Nutrition advice: They are advised to eat only home-cooked, fresh, and nutritious meals. Hydration is important. They shouldn’t miss their intake of prescribed medicines and have them regularly as advised. Strongly advised saying no to self-medication.

4.Hygiene advice: Use a handkerchief or tissue paper to sneeze and cough. Remember to wash your hands after disposing of the paper in the bin.
Use different bath and hand towels for the elderly, and to avoid mixing against other clothes, and wash them separately.

Experts have advised the caretakers of the elderly to always wash their hands before helping them. If they face flu-like symptoms they must maintain social-distancing. If you’re living with an elderly you’re advised to go out only when it is inevitable, as it can increase the chances of you getting the virus at home.

In these times of uncertainty, traditional healthcare might not be a safe choice for the elderly. We can instead opt for home care and senior living residences. These options are safer compared to traditional nursing. 

5.Mental well-being: Since elders are by themselves due to covid, they might feel isolated and lonely. They can try light exercises, yoga, and meditation. It’s also a great time to re-discover their hobbies like singing, painting, and reading.
They must check the source of their information, and make sure it’s authentic and reliable. Sensational news and misinformation should be avoided at all costs.

About vaccination: People with comorbidities above the age of 60 and 45 have begun getting their vaccines from March 1. CoWin 2.0 portal and Arogya Setu are some of the IT applications that are available to self-register for the beneficiaries.

If you have any beloved elders in your family, make use of technology and try to stay in touch virtually. Remind them to monitor their health, and you can also help them to do so.
If these precautions are followed well by the elders, they are sure to minimize the risk of getting Covid.

If you need any care such as nursing or pathology you may contact Antara’s Home specialist care at +91 9811 44 1111.