Hi, I’m in a state with no official lock downs, but quite a few COVID-19 cases. My 91 year old dad lives alone-but I’m not sure it is safe for him to go weeks without someone checking in. My plan now is for me to practice social distancing and good hygiene but still visit him weekly. I plan on only allowing me to visit. It feels like it’s a risk either way...anyone else in similar situations?
I know he is lonely and would really like company. My husband and I are both very careful when shopping, practice social distancing and are working at home. The one minor in our house has not been anywhere since school let out 3/13/2020.
I would greatly appreciate input on this. I don't want to bring danger to my dad's safety but I also want to be company for him and I really do miss him. If i do visit i would want to stay one night due to the distance/travel.
Although I am against someone 91 and older living alone. Had a neighbor whose wife passed away.. I would take over a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese, knock on the door in the morning just to make sure I got a knock back... Yup,,it was concerning for me. Just wanted to make sure he had something to eat in the AM and he was okay... I always got a knock back until his sister finally came down and got him... FINALLY....
Let's be realistic.
Now's the time to make phone calls - a couple of times a day. Save things up to talk about - how you planted mini daffodils in the neighbor's lawn as a little surprise, the new recipes you're trying with the groceries you have at hand, whatever!!!
Had a good chat tonight with my brother (the one who NEVER calls her- too sensitive, I think) suggesting that letters/pictures from his kids would be soooo helpful. That's something he can do at arms length, (despite how PO'd I am with him.) She's in assisted living, a couple of blocks from the latest outbreak in care facilities. It's only a matter of time.
My sense is to make her happy for now.
Have you seen patients with diarrhea? I wonder why no one is talking about it.
I live in CA. Been in Stay At Home mode for awhile now. I am going to visit my dad who is a young 79. But, I will take all the precautions I can. The way I see it is if something were to happen I would hate for him to be by himself. I've weighed the pros & cons. Being alone just isn't how I'm going to deal with it.
I live with my 92yr MIL and 68 BIL who is blind with autism so I am being diligent.
Do what you feel is best for your situation.
Best to all,
Kim
Total isolation is too tough. It may be months before it's anywhere near safe for frail people to be out and about. In fact, there may be no return to 'normal' for them for a very, very long time and, at 91, at some point, he may start asking himself if the reward is worth the risk. The quality of days vs the quantity.
It is so stressful that we're having to think in these ways.
It is a risk for you to visit. Does he understand what is going on? Maybe you could go there and meet him outdoors to talk for a while - lawn chairs, patio, etc.
I do not think is good idea.
I hope it works. Just copy and paste..
There are so many seniors receiving home care services that allow them to remain in the home. I think that if you are careful, weekly visits are going to be fine.
I had to leave home my mom's carers and there is no way that she could survive total social isolation for weeks. Also, this could be longer than weeks, think of Wuhan, they've been in a lockdown for 2 months.
My solution has been to become her only in-person carer + social contact ; for this I'm self-isolating completely too. I haven't been seeing anyone else for more than 2 weeks now and haven't gone out anymore. I also try to keep at 2m distance from her, no hugs, no sharing of glasses, dishes etc, as I could be potentially positive.
Just my 2 cents, because I think you have an important point here.
God sent to me. Also, no commercials. My wife an d I live alone. She
has Alzheimers and does not communicate very much. I am her only
caregiver at this time. This is our fun time in the evenings. We can watch tv
reruns and movies at anytime of the day or night. It takes a little while to
used to using Netflix but after that you will find it to be quite simple.
If/when you enter his house wash your hands.
Keep a distance from him.
Wash your hands before you prepare any food and before you eat.
If you do not feel well do not visit.