COVID-19: How You Can Help Seniors in Your Community.....Virtually!
Research shows, senior isolation is one of the biggest threats to a senior’s health and well-being. With many senior communities on lockdown, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), it has been a challenge trying to reach and assist our local seniors…..until now! With respect to the recommendations provided by the CDC, although you should limit direct face-to-face contact with seniors, there are alternate ways that you can engage with them virtually.
Cards of Light Luminary Challenge by Second Wind Dreams
Are you suddenly seeking ways to pass the time, activities for your family, or opportunities to help others? Participate in Second Wind Dreams’ Cards of Light Luminary Challenge! Here's how:
Contact Ms. Brenda Reeves at brenda@secondwind.org to participate
Ms. Brenda will send you a printable certificate and a mailing address of a confirmed elder care community participant.
Make 25 cards for elders and staff members at elder care communities (Make 50 if you have a larger group of people)
Mail your cards to the address provided by Ms. Brenda
Take a photo with your certificate and post it on social media. Be sure to tag Second Wind Dreams.
Write to seniors at Heartis Senior Living in Clear Lake:
Are you at home looking for something to do? If so, you are in luck! The residents at Heartis Senior Living in Clear Lake are looking for PenPals! The seniors would love to receive pictures, letters, or drawings from you and your kids. Help these awesome seniors feel the love while they stay indoors and out of harm’s way.
** Please know staff has researched and prepared an isolated area for deliveries where items will be disinfected and held for 72hrs prior to delivering to residents. This will help prevent the exposure to COVID 19. **
Please send all letters to:
Heartis Senior Living in Clear Lake
Attention: Becky Hudson
14520 Hwy 3
Webster, TX 77598
Letters of Love by Love for the Elderly
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to fight loneliness with love for our elders. Love for the Elderly needs your help writing letters that will uplift an elderly stranger! Learn more here!
We, at Aging 100, would love to hear how you’re engaging with the seniors in your community. Please share your engagement with us here!
Things You Can Do, as a Senior, to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
If you are a senior and have a serious underlying medical condition, here is what you can do:
Stay home if possible.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid close contact (6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, see CDC’s How to Protect Yourself
Stress and Coping
Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may result in increased stress during a crisis.
Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
Things you can do to support yourself:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
911
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Please watch the video below on things that seniors need to know about COVID-19:
Learn more and find additional resources here!