As the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the dangers also rise in vulnerable segments of our society. The elderly and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of contracting more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Should the COVID-19 virus continue to spread – and indications seem to suggest that it will – the best thing to do is to keep the elderly isolated.
But with isolation comes with loneliness. And even before the COVID-19 pandemic led the government to impose isolation to curb the spread of the virus, seniors were one of the loneliest groups in the United States. Many seniors lack support networks, and if they are dealing with disability or mobility issues, they are most likely to spend their time alone.
Kerr Medical compiled a few tips that can help you ensure that your senior parent or patient is still able to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Create scheduled virtual visits with friends and family – Today’s technology enables us to keep in touch with each other in an easier and more cost-effective way. Now we have free communication tools such as Skype and smartphone apps like Facetime. There are a lot of ways for the seniors to see and catch up with family members, friends and loved ones without having to leave their homes or aged care facility. Several online communication tools have a video feature to help your seniors feel more connected with their friends and loved ones. A simple as a phone call, too, would help them buoy their spirits.
- Engage your senior’s social circle – Social isolation in this time of COVID-19 crisis may prevent even active seniors from meeting friends like they used to do. Ask family and friends to call, send cards, write letters, and send a text message to your senior parent or patient.
- Sign up for telemedicine services – Recently, Medicare expanded telemedicine services, which allows the use of Skype, Facebook Messenger, and FaceTime. With technology today, seniors can consult with medical professionals without having to go to the doctor’s office. Most importantly, using these apps and online communication tools enable physicians to see senior loved ones and gain insights into their health and stress level.
- Get a medical alert system – A medical alert system is a powerful communication tool for seniors living alone, especially those who are hindered by their health or mobility problems. Medical alert features are included in wearable devices, such as smartwatches. Kerr Medical has several monitoring options and alarms so that your seniors can notify you or send alerts in case they have a fall or need assistance. Our alert systems are incredibly user-friendly, with some only requiring a push of a button to sound an alarm.
- Get a two-way communication monitor – You may have seen movie scenes of seniors living in retirement homes trying to communicate with their loved ones who are looking through a window. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced seniors to stay in their homes or assisted living facilities, a two-way communication monitor is the best tool to enable them to communicate with their loved ones from the outside world. It’s best to invest in a quality two-way communication monitor from Kerr Medical. The system consists of a video monitor with a zoom feature so that you and our seniors can see each other; and an intercom that allows you to talk. One of the most important features of Kerr Medical’s system is that it has a range of 1,000 feet (the size of about 3 ½ football fields), which helps you to stay connected with people in rooms from upper or lower floors or rooms without windows.
While your senior loved ones should be physically isolated for protection against COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that they also must be completely shut out from the outside world. Fortunately, technology has brought Kerr Medical to offer tools and products to help your seniors to stay connected during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Contact our team to get more information about the monitoring products Kerr Medical has. We can help you find the right solution for your needs to support you and your family during this trying time.
Contact Kerr Medical for more information about our monitoring products. Our team will help you find the right products and solutions and offer additional sources for support during these trying times.
