Cocooning advice for the elderly

The Irish Government and Citizens Information office have recently released the top tips for staying active and healthy during the lockdowns brought since the onset of COVID-19. 

Since March, Ireland has been going through various level and stages of lockdown. The most vulnerable people in our society are at risk of being cut off from their families and community as Nursing Homes face the possibility of being closed to outsiders visitors.

We have compiled the top tips to help you are your loved ones make the most of this troubling time. 

The guide is for elderly usually over the age of 70, who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 as they may have underlying conditions or secondary illnesses. 

What is cocooning for the elderly?

According to Gov.ie "Cocooning is a measure to protect people who are over 70 years of age and those who are extremely medically vulnerable by helping them to understand how to minimise their risk of getting COVID-19."

Cocooning Tips

1. Staying Active

Cocooning means staying indoors to avoid contact with the general public in order to avoid contracting coronavirus. However, the WHO have recently published research showing that when it may be done so safely it is healthy to get outside and receive fresh air. The blood circulates with movement and a brisk walk can help the body from growing weaker.

Please be aware, that this should be done in the care of your private homecare provider, or a close family member.

Alternatively, there are many live exercise shows on TV which do guided workouts which you can partake in as much as possible. RTÉ run an exercise show Monday to Friday called ​RAY & O’SÉ’S FITNESS 15.

If an outside stroll, or indoor workout is out of the question, consider 

stepping out the back for some sunlight or fresh air. Skin exposure to daylight can boost Vitamin D, mood and enhance the immune system greatly. 

2. News & Entertainment

Keeping your mind active and alert during this time is vital. While interaction with the outside world may make your brain lazy, there are some excellent programmes designed to boost brain power. For example, if you have a tablet, or smart phone there are a litany of Brain Training games which are designed to be fun and have proven to increase alertness and mindfulness. 

Tune in to the daily news channels to keep up to date with what is going on. Not just for Coronavirus, but it is a good habit to stay in touch with local news, local businesses and communities. Here is a list of local newspapers in Ireland: Local Newspapers Ireland

3. Meditation

The scientific evidence supporting mediation is overwhelming. The act of sitting peacefully in silence, listening to the rise and fall of you own breath is a joyous and profoundly insightful practice.

Set aside 20 minutes each day, in the comfort of your favourite couch, to do nothing except listen to your body.

Notice what feelings arise. It could be pain, discomfort, impatience. Try not to judge these feelings just allow them to be there. It is amazing what you can learn about yourself even in your older years!

Recent research has even shown that meditation can prevent, and ease the symptoms of Alzheimers...

4. Vitamins

As a virus, COVID-19 targets the immune system. It has been widely documented that the best vitamins to boost the immune system are Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin D & C. With your doctors permission, you can look into supplementing these vitamins in your diet. 

You can purchase these vitamins in your local pharmacy. If you are struggling to leave the house, we have care givers who can support with daily tasks such as shopping and visits to the elderly. 

Your diet should include plenty of oranges and fruit high in vitamins also.

5. Follow the guidelines

The correct recommended procedures and guidelines have been published  by gov.ie. 
Some of these guidelines are listed below, and the full list can be found here: Government guidelines on Cocooning for the elderly

1. If you choose to go outside you should:

• strictly adhere to 2 metres physical (social) distancing measures
• avoid close face-to-face contact
• avoid touching people or surfaces
• wash your hands on returning home

2. If visiting an elderly or cocooning person:

• keep at a distance of 2 metres
• allow them space for walking
• avoid physical contact such as shaking hands

3. Public transport should be used in non-peak times if at all possible and where a physical distance of 2 metres can be maintained. Face coverings should be used, and wash your hands-on returning home.

4. If you choose to visit these retail stores, it is best to adhere to the following measures:

• attend shops that provide dedicated hours for those who are cocooning which will enable you to do your shopping in a safer way
• ideally wear a face covering
• strictly adhere to the 2 metres physical (social) distancing measures when out
• wash your hands on returning home

5. The following advice has been issued in the case that you wish to attend a social event or family gathering:

• As with any gathering of people, it is important that you maintain strict physical distancing, strictly adhere to 2 metres physical (social) distancing measures
• choose events that are mostly your close family or friend circle who understand your need to adhere to certain protective measures
• wear a face covering
• avoid close face-to-face contact
• avoid touching people
• limit the time at the event to the smallest amount possible
• outdoor events are preferable
• wash your hands regularly during the event and on returning home

We hope this guide has been useful. If you are aware of somebody who is at risk, and in need of support or private homecare, we provide professionally trained caregivers, who are well aware of the government guidelines and best practices. Please feel give us a call for a free, no-obligations consultation where we will listen to your situation and offer advice on the types of supports and care that may be available to you or your loved one.