Senior Snippet

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. How to feel at ease as we come out of lockdown As we emerge from lockdown for what will hopefully be the last time, the key concern for many isn’t when the pubs reopen or when foreign travel can resume; it’s simply how they can get back to everyday activities in a safe and controlled manner, particularly for the elderly and those who have been shielding. Home Instead, a local home care company, is joyful that restrictions are lifting in the Spring, a time of hope and new beginnings. And with the weather improving, they’re hoping many of their elderly clients can use the easing of restrictions to leave their homes and enjoy the outdoors this spring. Most of Home Instead’s clients have been shielding throughout the winter months to protect themselves from the virus. But as businesses open up again, and most of our older population has received the first (or even second) vaccination, it’s only natural to want to get back out and live life to the full once more. There are many ways of reducing your anxiety as you gradually move back to normality. 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 and dearest is a natural place to start, and then you can decide what you feel comfortable doing next. • Find a select group of people: It’s normal to feel anxious about going back to a life of social contact having spent so long fearful that this could put you at risk, even having had a vaccine. If you begin by only socialising with a select group of family and friends, and keeping the group small, you will minimise the risk considerably yet enjoy the company you deserve. Home Instead’s CAREGivers will continue to keep you safe and well in your own homes, even as restrictions ease. • Combine fun and safety: For some of us, the best thing about lockdown easing is being able to visit our favourite National Trust site again. For others, it’s about going for a coffee with a friend. We can go back to doing these things and staying safe by making the most of the safety measures available to us. Whether it’s a bookings system that prevents the venue getting overcrowded, or a timeslot dedicated to the elderly, businesses have done a great job adapting to keep customers like you safe. • Record your progress: On a regular 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 services 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/