Senior Safety Tip: How to Know When to Venture Out During the Pandemic

After months of quarantining, social distancing and isolating from friends and family, stay-at-home orders are relaxed. But for seniors in particular, is it safe to consider heading out?

Regrettably, there’s no cut-and-dry answer, and a number of criteria should be taken into consideration to come to the best decision that balances senior safety with the benefits of getting back out of the house. For example:

• What health conditions is the older adult encountering?
• How difficult has it been for her or him to be separated from family members?
• Is the incidence rate of the virus waning or spiking in your area?

As a family caregiver, the best place to start is sitting down and having a one-on-one conversation with the older adult. If, for example, your senior loved one is adamantly set on a specific activity, such as seeing the grandchildren or going for a walk in the community park, make sure that he or she completely understands the potential risks involved.

Make certain you’re up to date as well on the most current news from trusted sources on any new recommendations and/or precautions. Look at this information as only one component of your decision-making process, however, as opposed to an end-all perspective.

Then, broach the subject with the senior’s healthcare provider for a professional opinion and for advice about weighing potential risk factors against the benefits of increased socialization and engagement in the community. You might also want to talk to other members of the family and carefully consider their input as well before making the final decision on the best way to proceed.

Above all, take sufficient time to ensure you’re doing what is most beneficial for your loved one’s general health and wellbeing, as opposed to making a quick decision that you might later regret. If you are still uncertain in regards to what to do, it may be better to refrain from going out with the older adult for the present time and revisit the matter at a later date. And keep in mind that you always have the choice to change your mind if for any reason you’re uncomfortable with the first decision.

Whether you and your family member are at ease with the choice to go out and about, or choose to continue staying at home, you can depend on Sage Home Care to assist with services such as accompanied transportation, companionship, running errands including shopping for groceries, and a number of other types of assistance, always in compliance with recommended safety protocols. Reach out to us at 800-578-4554 any time with any questions about senior care in Carmel or the surrounding areas, or to schedule a free in-home consultation. See our full Connecticut and New York service area.