Dealing with the psychological needs of the elderly during the pandemic

Presence of elders in the family is a great blessing. Their contributions are highly valid and much needed in a family. They always measure the options for solutions based on their personal experiences. Unfortunately, their worth of presence will be felt in their absence than during their presence. Till the last phase of life, they contribute to the family and society as much as they can. 

COVID 19 cases are increasing day by day. It is becoming more and more challengeable to tackle. The only positive factor is that the vaccine may be available in the market soon. Till then the present struggle continues. The old aged population is vulnerable since the virus attack can take over the lower immunity group. They need to be highly cautious and provided with adequate support in all aspects including psychological. This article analyses the elderly life and care during the occasion of a pandemic.

Physical health of elders is always a concern. Most of them are living with the help of medical support. The pandemic situation is not like other health concerns since it spreads from one to other. Hence the special attention is needed to prevent them from the exposure of virus. This is a practical challenge in families. Opting isolation or distancing may create a sense of increase the intensity of loneliness which may result in other psychological issues.

By knowing the fact of being more vulnerable, elders may develop the fear of death. Fear of death may lead them into the stage of self negligence, depressed and anxious. There is a possibility of developing a feeling of guilt by being a career of virus and spreading it to the family. The media like news channels and news sites making their condition even worse by getting more than required information regarding the spread of the virus. The generational gap further adding the issues like the youngsters may not clarify their concerns resulted in a lot of confusion and stress.

Quarantine may be the best option to prevent the virus attack. Effects of quarantine leading to loneliness, physical distancing from their loved ones, grief, anxiety and chronic stress that can have long-standing psychological effects. Increased incidence of depressive disorders, complex post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and adjustment reactions are some of the exclusive mental disorders resulted in elders due to quarantine. Furthermore, increased suicidal ideations and attempts consequent to stress, on the background of the already existing suicidality risk in the elderly, is an added concern. 

Loneliness is a potential risk factor for depression and cognitive disorders, especially when chronic and associated with lack of physical activities. Many elderlies might not be well-versed with the usage of technology results in increased emotional distancing in absence of even digital contact with the family members and relatives. The social stigma of ageism magnified by this outbreak. Even healthy aged people are looks like the victims of pandemic. All such instances make it difficult for the elders’ cope with.

Measures to take care of the elderly during Covid-19 pandemic

• Families need to be involved in the care of the elderly with increased sensitivity to their mental health. By remembering their contribution to family a respectful and affectionate dealing is needed.
• Ensure the basics of food, safety and emotional security
• Involve them with day to day decision-making activities
• Pay attention to their self-dignity
• Establish facilities to connect with their relatives, friends and loved ones
• They need to be provided with adequate updates and their queries to be answered
• Deal them with patience and always keep the values of paying respect to elders
• Any kind of threatening situations like abuse need to identify in the early stage and assure them the emotional safety and comfort
• Never encourage them on self medications and make decisions on their health affairs
• Elders prefer to be more spiritual. Hence, all necessary arrangements needed to be made for practising their spiritual activities
• Assure the availability of immediate support system and response with in a reach by a call or signal.

Elders are rich in ideas and the ability to make decisions based on real-life experiences. Kids in a family are more attached to them since they get enormous emotional support and comfort from them. COVID -19 pandemic makes the situation like elders are more vulnerable and resulted in psychological challenges. Remember, the dignified way of treatment and support to elders pay us back when we get old.