As we know, the senior community is one of the most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many seniors cannot or do not leave their homes even without a stay at home order in place. Some seniors can no longer drive and depend on their communities’ senior services. There are some seniors who do not have family nearby or any family at all, and some that have no family to help them during these trying times, let alone assist during normal, day-to-day living.
Whether they are our parents, grandparents, neighbors or the elderly, we have seen senior citizens out at the grocery store or pharmacy during the stay at home order. It has been heartbreaking seeing the pictures surfacing on social medical showing elderly people standing in front of empty grocery store shelves or standing in long lines for groceries and toiletries necessary to sustain their health and well-being. Grocery stores and pharmacies have established certain hours that are specifically for senior citizens to shop. Unfortunately, this means that seniors will still be in a position to be exposed to COVID-19.
Caring Carefully
There are families with seniors living with them during their final days through home hospice, recovering from surgical procedures, or because they can no longer live by themselves. Now more than ever, family members must use extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of their loved ones. This means these families must limit exposure to COVID-19 and any other virus or bacterial invader more than the average person. Families housing senior citizens during this time need assistance now.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and pet stores are still open. We can still buy food, pick up our prescriptions, and buy food for our animals. Check on your senior family members, neighbors, and families housing senior relatives. Before hitting up the grocery store for yourself, ask for a list of food or toiletries they may be in need of. Ask if there are prescriptions they need to be picked up. Ask if they have enough food for their animals. Designate an area outside to retrieve grocery lists or money. Go to the store and shop for them while you are shopping for yourselves. Use gloves, and spray the bags with Lysol before placing them in the designated area. Place the grocery bags at a designated area outside the home where seniors can retrieve these items. And remember to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. And share; if you have an abundance of food, toilet paper, soap or any other supplies, please share with your elderly neighbors and your neighbors housing their senior family members.
There are many local senior services available as well if you aren’t geographically available. Organizations like PLOWS Council on Aging, Senior Services of Will County, and other groups are working harder than ever to be of service to our senior population.
Stay in touch
It’s also important to stay in touch with seniors. Most seniors cannot text or do not use social media. Call your senior family members and neighbors regularly during this time and if they are a bit more technically savvy, video call them – they would love to see your face! Send them card games, puzzles, books on tape or music to keep them busy. Let them know they are not alone. Let them know someone cares. Let them hear your voice and know that you’re there.
We are here to assist you
We are aware that everyone has been affected by the recent response to COVID-19 but we hope that you find some comfort in knowing that we are still operational and here to assist you.
Whether you are a current client or if you are looking for family law or estate planning assistance, our team is here for you and will continue to be available to address your concerns.
To the extent possible, we will offer remote consultations and provide services from a distance.
You may message us here, email our office at info@sterkfamilylaw.com, or call 815-600-8950 and one of our team members will be able to assist you.
This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.