MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE DURING OUTBREAK

There has not been an experience like the current outbreak in most of our lifetimes. Suddenly, there have been such limitations on public movements. It is not surprising that we are all feeling a bit scared. However, it is still important to look after your mental health especially if you are over 60 and living alone.

Things You Can Do To Keep Safe At This Difficult Time

Be prepared

  • Keep useful contact numbers in an obvious place
  • It’s important to get in touch if you have any concerns about your health. With several routine health appointments being canceled, you may feel it’s not suitable to contact your healthcare provider. They are at your back to support your physical and mental health.
  • Think about who can help you over this period. This may be friends and family but also local and national organizations. 
  • Remember that it will take longer for your pharmacist to deliver supplies and the same for grocery deliveries, so try and plan.

Stay in touch

  • Phone, landline, internet computer are potential sources of support and ways to get information about what’s available.
  • A lot of neighborhoods are setting up local support groups, ask people if they know about this and how you can join.
  • Think about writing a note to neighbors asking if they can help or if they can recommend someone or service who can. If you have a neighbor’s phone number do give them a call, you might not need anything now, but you may in the future.

Find out what you are entitled to

  • You may be entitled to an emergency food parcel
  • If you are considered as being in an at-risk category, you should have received a note which gives you more information about how you can get support while you have to stay at home during this time. 

Little things to help if you are spending all your time alone

  • Keep movement in your day through some light exercise if you can.
  • Listen to music that you like and lets you remember different parts of your life.
  • A routine helps give your day a sense of order and make you feel in control.
  • You may want to limit your intake of daily news about the virus as too much coverage can be scary and make you stressed.
  • Watch more films on TV or listen to the radio.
  • Doing outstanding chores can feel like a major achievement.
  • Keep in touch with other people. This might be scheduling times over a week when you will call family and friends.

Be careful to stay safe

  • This crisis brings the best and worst out in people.
  • People may not always be who they claim in person or online.
  • Always check for identification.
  • Don’t engage with something if it feels wrong.
  • Don’t give out your bank details to anyone in person or online.
  • Don’t reply to an email that’s asking you for personal information about you or your finances.
  • Don’t let someone into your home who has no identification.