The elderly need us now more than ever.

By: Sandra Carranza

Ever since COVID-19 really hit the U.S. in March, people started to quarantine. Families stayed
in their homes together. Some young adults who live alone chose to isolate themselves. Many
older family members that also live alone or in nursing homes had no choice but to be
disconnected from their loved ones. The year has come and is almost gone. As someone with an
elderly father, I urge those who have not reached out to their elderly family members to do so as
soon as they can.
Obviously, there is still some hesitancy to start interacting again because of the health risks, but I
think taking the necessary precautions can help diminish the spread of the virus to loved ones
especially. For example, wash your hands and disinfect yourself before you touch someone.
Wear a face mask or any other type of acceptable face covering. While these guidelines are
important to follow for any day-to-day interactions, they can be crucial when you decide to visit
an elderly parent, grand-parent or other family member.
Some nursing homes even provide hospital gowns for visitors. If your loved one is in a nursing
home, do not be afraid to reach out to staff and ask what protocols you need to follow in order to
visit.
Since quarantine started, and even before, we have combatted long distance and lack of personal
interaction with technology. We use our phones to call those we are missing; we send photos to
each other and we often are able to video call as well. However, it goes without saying that many
senior citizens are not capable of operating phones or computers to the full degree compared to
younger people. Often, they need help from a nurse if they are in a nursing home, or they need
help from a grandchild, which they will not get because of social distancing. Moreover, elderly
citizens can sometimes feel like a burden and will not ask for help even when they are missing
someone. Technology is a great tool to have for communication, but even technology cannot
replace the comfort real human interaction brings.
When COVID-19 hit the U.S., I was away from my parents’ home, at college. After hearing how
the virus was especially threatening for children, pregnant women and the elderly, I chose to stay
away from home for the sake of my father who is in his 70s. During those early days, I called as
often as I could to ask how he was. He always said he was OK but insisted on me visiting. I
always ignored this request, but it was during one of these calls I came to the realization that I
needed to see my father, not just for his sake but for mine as well.
After quarantine and careful isolation, I went and visited my father. No amount of words can
describe the excitement in seeing someone you love, especially after months and months of
separation. I believe people who are elderly take the isolation and loneliness much worse than us
young ones. For those who are still waiting for things to get better in order to go visit your family
member, there is no guarantee things will get better anytime soon. I urge you that if your nursing
home allows it or you are able to travel, go and visit your loved one following any necessary
health guidelines.