How to Talk to a Senior About Coronavirus

Coronavirus has made, that the functioning of people around the world has changed a lot. Older people are in a special situation, which belong to the high-risk group. Caregivers for the elderly do not only help with hygiene, everyday duties or care. Such a guardian also has others, a very important task. We are talking about appropriate psychological support and ensuring a sense of security. Unfortunately ensuring the latter point, in the era of coronavirus it is very difficult. The carer of the elderly should know how to proceed, so that the senior can feel at least a little calmer and more confident.

Coronavirus and difficult talks

The time of the pandemic is difficult for everyone. Everyone is worried not only about themselves, but also about loved ones. The conversation with the senior should be properly conducted. There are, after all, many issues, which an elderly person may not fully understand. Topics like the current situation, statistics, changes, new restrictions – it is all related to the pandemic. A carer for the elderly has a difficult task, he also feels a lot of responsibility. Advice is provided in the following paragraphs of the article, which will certainly prove helpful in such situations. Thanks to them, the carer of the elderly will know, how to address difficult topics related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some important rules

A conversation with an older person should be based on some important rules. Thanks to them, the senior is able to properly understand, every second person wants to convey to him. These principles are also important when dealing with the difficult topic of coronavirus. Here are the issues, which should be remembered by every caregiver of the elderly:

1. No nerves – everyone knows, that the pandemic and the risk of infection are highly emotional topics. However, you should remain calm when talking to the senior. An elderly person may feel confused, and feel helpless about the current situation. Seniors may react inadequately to the situation, they can confuse truth with myth. It is the guardian who is the support in these situations, voice of reason in a difficult situation. Particular attention should be paid to the words used and the tone of the voice.
2. Understandable – the language used in social media or television is not always understandable to older people. Therefore, it is worth remembering about this when talking to a senior, to speak in a language he understands. You should also be aware, that information provided on the Internet is not always true, and they can harm the senior and make him, that he would feel even more threatened. Therefore, before the interview, it is worth checking the accuracy of the information you have.
3. What to talk about? – if the senior is aware of what is happening in the world, it is not worth avoiding the conversation. An explanation of the new habits will definitely come in handy. I am talking about walks, visiting or visiting a doctor. All of this is changing in the age of a pandemic, and the senior has the right to know why. It is worth emphasizing, that the actions taken are aimed at protecting health and life, they are not due to any malice.
4. News selection – it is worth talking to the senior, if he wants it and needs answers to the most important doubts. However, it is not worth giving him all the messages. We are talking about such information here, which may adversely affect the health and well-being of a senior, and he doesn't necessarily know about them.
5. Empathy and caring – these are very important issues in the work of a carer for the elderly. They are also very much needed in discussions about the coronavirus. The right words and care will do, that it will be a little easier for the senior to get through this difficult time. Certainly, the caregiver will also feel positive effects.
6. Not only the coronavirus and the pandemic – Despite this, that the current situation is difficult and lasts a long time, it is not the only topic of conversation. The carer of the elderly should remember this. Even in such a difficult time, it is sometimes worth talking about something else, more enjoyable or equally important. It is also worth offering the senior an entertainment other than a conversation. Let it be something, which will bring joy and will be possible for an elderly person. Needlework, reading, watching movies or series are just some of the many proposals.

Summary

Work of the carer of the elderly it's not easy, especially in the era of coronavirus. Older people are aware of this, what is happening in the world and the pandemic causes a lot of negative feelings. The guardian should be a support during this time, a source of verified information. If the senior wants to talk about it, it is worth taking up a conversation. However, be aware of an accessible language, empathy, providing and paying attention to verified information, so as not to harm the elderly. The senior must know, why certain restrictions have been set and are taking so long. Nobody wants to anger him or take his freedom. It is worth explaining to an older person, that the restrictions are aimed at protecting human health and life. Although the coronavirus has dominated reality, it is also worth remembering about other topics for conversation and activities. A game of chess, walks or board games are excellent forms of spending time, which are worth cultivating in the era of a pandemic.