Caring for elderly as Covid-19 continues

THE elderly were identified as a high risk group when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020. One-and-a-half years later, homes for the aged have eased restrictions once designed to protect their residents as concerns for their mental and emotional wellbeing were highlighted.

Femada Shamam, CEO at The Association for the Aged (TAFTA) said the government guideline did not stipulate if homes should be closed during the pandemic.

“We were never closed at any time during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, visits were prohibited as per government regulations until the amended regulations of May 30, 2021 were released. While the Department of Social Development did issue guidelines on controlled visits at this time, criteria was mostly around screening, health and safety protocols. It was largely left to the management of homes to determine how to implement these, in line with the health and safety guidelines issued,” she added.

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Restrictions have also been eased with the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine.

“To date, 55% of our population have been vaccinated by choice, and we have taken a more advisory approach, running information sessions and awareness campaigns that caution elders to go out only when necessary and to rather avoid large social gatherings that do not follow the necessary Covid-19 protocols,” said Shamam.

Shamam also noted that prolonged isolation could lead to anxiety.

“While our own approach at the start of the pandemic was extremely cautious, we have since realised that a year and a half down the line, this level of restriction has emotionally impacted our older people within our buildings, with the forced isolation causing anxiety and fear,” she said.

“The pandemic has had a great psychological and social impact on our elders. There have been reports of an increase in difficulty sleeping due to worry and stress over the coronavirus, worsening anxiety and depression, emotional distress and weight-loss. It is important to maintain a level of connection to the outside world to prevent becoming overwhelmed by anxiety and fear associated with the pandemic,” added Shamam.

TAFTA has advised its residents to follow the government guidelines when planning outings.

“During harder lockdown periods, rather restrict movement to essential trips and, when the lockdown level is eased, use this opportunity to gather outdoors or in places that are well ventilated. Follow the necessary Covid-19 protocols of masking up, sanitising and maintaining social distance,” she said.

Safe activities include:

–Walking
“If the weather is pleasant and it’s possible to avoid crowds, a walk around the neighbourhood can provide sufficient exercise to reduce restlessness,” said Shamam.

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–Exercise and strength training
“Elders can keep fit from the comfort of their own home with the use of instructional videos that can be found online. Another option is joining a virtual class. Strength training is also important and elders can make use of everyday household items such as soup cans to add weight for exercises,” said Shamam.

–Gardening
“Gardening is great for those who enjoy being outdoors,” said Shamam. “Potting small plants or herbs to be maintained indoors for elders struggling with mobility is another option.”

–Arts and crafts
“Activities such as knitting, crocheting, painting, and colouring can stimulate cognitive skills and encourage new exploring new hobbies,” concluded Shamam.