Coronavirus elderly advice: How can I look after my older relatives?
Coronavirus elderly advice: How can I look after my older relatives?
(5 days later)
"I know that many people will be very worried," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson, addressing the UK's older people as he announced new measures to tackle coronavirus.
Older people are more likely to become severely ill if they catch coronavirus, according to the NHS. Generally, it says, anyone over the age of 65 is considered an "older person" but there is no strict definition as people age at different rates.
"I think we should all be thinking about our elderly relatives... and everything we can do to protect them over the next few months."
The latest government advice is that everyone in the UK should suspend all "non-essential contact with others" - but what measures are being taken and what advice is there for looking after older and elderly people?
Caroline, from south-east England, is one of the many concerned about visiting elderly relatives in the midst of the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
Can I visit older people in their own homes?
Until now Caroline, who has asked us not to use her surname, has been visiting her sister, who is living with dementia and in a care home. But now she says she is "not sure" whether she should continue her visits in case she spreads the virus inadvertently.
The government advises that, by the weekend, groups particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 - such as those over the age of 70 - will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
"It just gets into my head - is it better not to go because you don't know if you are bringing germs?" she says.
If you are visiting an elderly relative for an essential purpose, you should "keep a bit more distance, preferably at least 1m [3ft] apart, no kissing and hugging, sadly, and those hand hygiene practices are incredibly important", says Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.
Older people are more likely to become severely ill if they catch it, the NHS says. Generally, it says anyone over the age of 65 is considered an "older person" but there is no strict definition as people age at different rates.
In its online advice, Carers UK echoes this sentiment, saying the best way to protect people you come into contact with is to protect yourself by washing your hands well and often, using sanitiser gel when it is not possible to wash, and generally following NHS advice on not spreading the virus.
But what measures are being taken and what advice is there for looking after older and elderly people?
Age UK adds that if people are worried about visiting the elderly at home, they can always maintain contact via the phone, post or online.
What are care homes doing?
What are care homes doing?
Care homes have responded in a mix of ways so far, with some residential and nursing homes deciding to restrict visitors.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said nobody should visit care homes unnecessarily - but stopped short of saying people must not visit relatives in care homes under any circumstances.
Barchester Care Homes, which has more than 11,000 residents spread across more than 200 homes in the UK, is asking family members and friends to "minimise" their visits.
Meanwhile, government advice online states anyone who has a new continuous cough or high temperature should not visit care homes and should instead self-isolate.
In a letter to residents and visitors, it says it has not taken the decision lightly and appreciates it may cause some discomfort. But "this is a necessary step to take", it adds
People who are "generally unwell" should also stay away from care homes, according to the advice.
Relatives must speak to the manager at the care home before making any visit, the letter added.
It adds, however, care homes should consider the "positive impact of seeing friends and family" when reviewing their visitor policies.
Elsewhere, St Augustine's Court Care Home in Nottingham is also requesting people to avoid visiting.
Any visitors travelling to care homes for essential purposes must practise good hygiene, the government says.
"Where visiting is essential, we would ask for only one visitor per resident, please," the home's administrator said, adding that hand gel should be used and phone calls are still welcome.
What if you are worried about someone's mental health?
Ryan Moring, manager of The Haven care home in Colchester, said the home has not yet shut its doors to visitors but it is taking "precautionary measures".
Mental health charity Mind has tips for those who may be alone or worried about the virus, including putting extra photos up of people you care about, and limiting how long you read the news.
"At the moment, every visitor who enters the building we insist they wash and sanitise their hands. If they don't wish to do that we don't let them come in.
It says elderly relatives could also be encouraged to:
"We have restricted visitors from outside entertainment, singers, exercise classes because those people visit numerous care homes."
There are also steps to help prevent loneliness in those avoiding contact or staying at home.
He stressed contact is "very important" for dementia patients in the home, but they have contingency plans in place for if the virus spreads, with facilities to use Skype.
Olivia Field, loneliness lead at the British Red Cross, says those staying at home should make sure they find time to do things they enjoy, such as watching TV, reading, writing, art or cooking.
Caroline, who is debating whether to continue visiting her sister, says there has been a "deafening silence" about the virus at her care home.
"Ensuring you feel stimulated and have fun protects against loneliness and improves your general wellbeing," she says.
She says there is a "whole community of people who are vulnerable", adding that her sister "tends to want to hold my hand; I do wash my hands".
"Remember there are other ways to connect with friends and family - for example, phone, email, social media.
What about visiting older people in their own homes?
"Talking to people about your worries, about feeling lonely, or simply just about your day, helps."
As yet, the government has not issued any advice suggesting older people should be kept away from the wider population.
But some people have taken the decision not to see older relatives.
Columnist Lucy Mangan told the BBC's Emma Barnett Show she felt "quite upset" after reaching an agreement with her parents she will not be visiting them for the forseeable future.
"I've never lived through a pandemic before. It's all new and it feels really weird and horrible.
"We're all reaching that critical point now where we have to take stock and go, if I go to my parents I could be carrying something that could kill them. That's the reality of it."
Mark Storey, the head of Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care, says they are continuing to run their services - which involves visiting older people at home to prevent loneliness and also helping with hospital discharges.
"We are open as usual," he says. "We do have a Covid-19 plan in place in case we are impacted."
"Whilst we are not panicking and not shouting from the rooftops, we have got to take a responsibility," he says. "Every one of us has got a duty of care.
"Our message is we are continuing to be open. Everything is under review all the time."
He says contact for older people is "vital", and although face-to-face visits are best, they could be replaced by phone calls if there is a risk of spreading the virus.
Anna Lawless, 70, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Surrey, says she is "uncertain" whether it would be a good idea to stop visiting older people, saying it would "cause a great deal of stress".
She told BBC Two's Victoria Derbyshire programme that the attitude among residents in her accommodation block was "if I get it, I get it, there's nothing I can do about it".
What else can we do?
What else can we do?
Simon Hewett-Avison, from charity Independent Age, says families do need to make sure elderly people have the supplies they need such as food and medication - but urged a "balanced approach" rather than panicked stockpiling.
Age UK stresses it is also important to think of "practical" ways to help, such as running errands on relatives' behalf or picking up supplies such as food and medication.
He warned the virus could increase the risk of isolating people further.
Simon Hewett-Avison, from charity Independent Age, also says families need to make sure elderly people have the supplies they need but urges a "balanced approach" rather than panicked stockpiling.
"We have seen elderly people are quite concerned about this. I was talking to a lady last week in Teesside. She was constantly looking at the news and was really concerned."
Both the government and supermarkets have urged people not to stockpile goods.
He added: "We are keen to encourage people to see this as an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends that we have fallen out of contact with and check in with them."
Carers UK says those who cannot visit elderly relatives should think of other ways of spending time together - setting up a family group chat, for example, or playing games online.
He added that four million over-65s live alone in the UK, and much of the advice often relies on older people having a support network - but that community groups can provide support.
"If online communication isn't possible, never underestimate the value of a regular simple phone call to offer social contact and support," it says.
He said his charity could focus more on telephone contact if the outbreak worsens.
Families and carers should also consider contingency plans if the situation changes, the charity says, such as arranging for a trusted neighbour to help an elderly relative if they are unable to.
Mental health charity Mind also has tips for those who may be alone or worried about the virus, including putting extra photos up of people you care about, and limiting how long you read the news.
If you have concerns about an elderly relative's health or need more information about coronavirus, you can visit the NHS 111 website.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, also recommends that people with elderly friends and relatives make sure they check on them regularly. "If you have any concerns about their health or need more information about coronavirus call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website," she said.
Age UK's online advice adds: "The government hasn't said we should stop going out or meeting up with other people.
"Most people can keep doing what they normally do as long as they don't have symptoms and maintain good hygiene practices like washing their hands regularly. You only need to stay at home and avoid contact with other people (called 'self-isolating') if you've been advised to by NHS 111 or a medical professional."
Older people and their families can also call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65.
Older people and their families can also call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65.
Finally, Age UK says while advice and circumstances could change in the weeks and months ahead, the need for support will remain constant.
"Now is not the time to back off our older population, who need our love and support more than ever," Ms Abrahams says.
"Do provide reassurance and now's a good time to make a plan together as a family."
