SENIOR SNIPPETS By Christina Uppenkamp Home Instead Senior Care
Welcome to the latest edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind.
Here are some tips:
• Take it steady: Don’t rush to do things out of your comfort zone. Seeing family and friends is what many of us have craved in recent months. Simply going on a walk with nearest How to feel at ease as we come out and dearest is a natural place to start, of lockdown and then you can decide what you feel comfortable doing next. As we emerge from lockdown for what will hopefully be the last time, • Find a select group of people: the key concern for many isn’t when It’s normal to feel anxious about the pubs reopen or when foreign going back to a life of social contact travel can resume; it’s simply how having spent so long fearful that this they can get back to everyday could put you at risk, even having activities in a safe and controlled had a vaccine. If you begin by only manner, particularly for the elderly socialising with a select group of and those who have been shielding. family and friends, and keeping the group small, you will minimise Home Instead, a local home care the risk considerably yet enjoy company, is joyful that restrictions the company you deserve. Home are lifting in the Spring, a time of Instead’s CAREGivers will continue to hope and new beginnings. And with keep you safe and well in your own the weather improving, they’re homes, even as restrictions ease. hoping many of their elderly clients can use the easing of restrictions to • Combine fun and safety: For some leave their homes and enjoy the of us, the best thing about lockdown outdoors this spring. easing is being able to visit our favourite National Trust site again. Most of Home Instead’s clients For others, it’s about going for a have been shielding throughout coffee with a friend. We can go back the winter months to protect to doing these things and staying themselves from the virus. But safe by making the most of the safety as businesses open up again, and measures available to us. Whether most of our older population has it’s a bookings system that prevents received the first (or even second) the venue getting overcrowded, or vaccination, it’s only natural to want a timeslot dedicated to the elderly, to get back out and live life to the businesses have done a great job full once more. adapting to keep customers like you safe. There are many ways of reducing your anxiety as you gradually move • Record your progress: On a regular back to normality. basis, try and challenge yourself and keep a mental note of things you’ve
achieved, enjoyed or surprised yourself doing. Only by rewarding yourself will you build confidence. • Don’t forget your face covering: The government has indicated that we won’t be getting rid of our masks in public places any time soon. And that’s a good thing as wearing one will help to protect you and others as we start mixing again. So don’t forget to take your mask out with you! • Keep perspective: Thanks to the vaccination programme, the UK is in a much better position compared to last year. Nobody knows what lies ahead, but there is a lot to be positive about. Try and appreciate the good things that happen and enjoy having more freedom to live the life you’ve always known. Home Instead has recently been named as a 5* employer, after receiving glowing feedback from an independent client and CAREGiver satisfaction survey. The survey showed that 100% of clients said that Home Instead kept them safe throughout the pandemic. The company has also been named as a finalist in the prestigious national Home Care Awards, which recognise innovation and excellence in the social care sector. They are shortlisted in the ‘Best start-up home care services or franchise’ award, testament to the quality home care services they provide to seniors across the local area. Home Instead’s ser vices are available across Abbey Wood, Belvedere, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Swanscombe and West Gravesend. To find out more about how Home Instead’s home care services could help you or a loved one, please call 01322923750 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford/
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