Coronavirus: LI Senior Care Expert On Struggles Facing Elderly

PLAINVIEW, NY — As the new coronavirus spreads through New York, officials have not shied away from striking a grave tone when talking about its impact on society. While 80 percent of people who become infected will survive, that's not true for the most vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and people with compromised immune systems.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has compared the COVID-19 disease, as it's officially called, to pneumonia. It's a vicious predator, he said, that has preyed on older adults. Indeed, data on the state Department of Health website Wednesday showed the stark reality facing older adults. Of the 6,268 deaths, just 7 percent were younger than 50. Moreover, nearly two-thirds were over 70 years old and more than 80 percent were at least 60 years old.

Faced with the grim reality and in accordance with severe social distancing measures instituted by the state, people have stayed away from their older relatives. Grandparents and great-grandparents who might have felt alone even before the pandemic now feel those effects even more.

To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts in New York, click here.

Some, as Patch has reported, have even died alone from the disease while isolated not only from their children, but also their own spouses.

Reema Nirola, franchisee of Plainview Seniors Helping Seniors, talked to Patch this week about ways people can keep their distance while still helping their loved ones. The company offers a wide range of services tailored for, including helping seniors get groceries, conversing with them, making sure they're taking their medications and even helping younger seniors get jobs. The caregivers allow older adults to stay in their homes and avoid being moved into nursing homes.

Nirola often deals with nuclear families who live separately from their aging loved ones and need support in properly caring for them. During a pandemic, those needs become even more pronounced.

Outside of contracting the disease, not being able to see, touch or embrace their family members is the biggest challenge seniors face during the outbreak, Nirola said, noting they often feel fear and depression.

"They understand social distancing is good, they understand what we're going through and why families aren't coming," she said. "They do try to understand it's for a better future. But on the other side, some of them are already saying 'Goodbye' as well. They don't know whether they'll see tomorrow or not. They think of every day as their last day, and try to live with that day."

Nirola offered tips people can use to combat that loneliness, though. Families who are living with a senior in the home can play board games or simple word games with them to keep them engaged, watching old wedding and birthday videos, anything that can help refresh memories that might be tucked away in their minds. Other activities include cooking with recipes and having seniors perform small tasks rather than trying to cook a whole feast.

"Just keeping themselves involved in that," she said. "I think the more positive we are, I think we can fight this virus. It gives you more strength."

While it isn't easy, seniors are adjusting to their new reality, Nirola said. They know they must social distance today so they can see tomorrow.

Still, some who have little or no family around need more help. Healthy younger adults can help these folks by introducing themselves in passing and offering to see if they need any help. This can be as simple as picking up milk and bread from the store and leaving it on their porch. It can also mean sitting with them and allowing them to share their memories. For those closer interactions, Nirola said people should wear masks and gloves and try to remain socially distant.

One of the biggest issues she sees during the coronavirus outbreak is that people often have a tough time putting themselves in the shoes of older adults, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease who can be forgetful.

"You don't have to lose your temper," she said. "If they're asking something over and over, maybe you have to think of some literature or maybe you can write something down so they can understand what's going on. You have to be more simple in the communication."

Words of encouragement are also important, she said. People can leave words of encouragement, such as we "We will overcome" on the refrigerator, a reminder that brighter days are ahead. And just as importantly, jokes work well, too.

"I believe in laughter therapy," she said.

See also:

• NY Coronavirus: All Can Vote By Mail; Unemployed To Get $600 More
• Nassau Coronavirus Updates: 'Cautiously Optimistic' Of Plateau
• Plainview Business Guide: What's Open Or Closed In Town