Around two million people in England over the age of 75 live alone and, worryingly, more than a million people go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member1.
With the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the UK government has strongly advised everyone over 70 to self-isolate to protect themselves from the virus.
As a result, this could lead to elderly people feeling even more isolated and lonely.
BHSF’s Your Care Support powered by Tutella.co, help employees with caring responsibilities, providing them with independent information and practical advice.
Maureen Gaudin, co-founder of Tutella.co, believes every little bit helps in supporting the elderly get through these uncertain times.
Contact
“The NHS has written to everyone considered to be at risk of severe illness due to coronavirus. You may have received the letter yourself, either as someone in a ‘high risk’ group or as the named carer of someone else who is.
“If a person you care for has received this letter, the instructions are very clear. They must stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks, except from you as their carer and healthcare workers continuing to provide medical care.
“Part of the mental battle of isolation is remaining as active as possible. If the person you’re helping has a garden, encourage them to walk around it and make sure they are not immobile for long periods of time.
Planning
“Put a contingency plan in place and prepare a list with key information about the person you care for including: medication, medical appointments and emergency contact telephone numbers. Tell your GP you have caring responsibilities, they can provide advice on medical conditions and treatments for the person you care for.
“If you don’t live with the person being cared for, prepare a grocery list for home delivery by a local supermarket or order frozen meals. It may also help to prepare an emergency pack including: hand sanitiser, hand soap, tissues, paracetamol, cough mixture and vitamins.
“If you have elderly relatives and friends, speak to them everyday to check they are ok. It’s small things like getting in touch with elderly relatives on a daily basis that can make a big difference in boosting their morale.”
If you have caring responsibilities and need advice, call today on 0800 622 552 or click here for more information on BHSF Your Care Support.
