The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on every member of the population especially for those who were already vulnerable. Of course, those who have been unfortunate enough to contract the disease have suffered greatly, but even for those who have remained coronavirus-free, the lasting impact on mental health has been significant.
Research is already emerging that has revealed that the Covid pandemic has led to increased levels of psychological distress not only across the population in general but particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly and people living with a disability. As your local home care agency, we are doing everything we can to support the elderly and vulnerable.
The Impact of Covid on The Elderly and Vulnerable People
Measures such as social distancing and shielding have led to increased anxiety, depression and stress for vulnerable members of the public. From problems accessing essential healthcare facilities to greater loneliness and isolation, it isn’t too surprising that those who are already struggling to cope with age related illnesses are at far greater risk of suffering both mentally and physically than the average population.
With associations between loneliness and increased diagnosis of dementia, heart disease and a raft of other health conditions, it couldn’t be more important to find ways to improve mental health outcomes across the board, and specifically for those in our society who require a little extra care and support.
Being at home for extended periods of time can affect the mobility, independence and confidence of the elderly resulting in many vulnerable people neglecting themselves during the pandemic; overlooking their need to eat and drink regularly and forgetting to wash or clean their homes.
With a lack of socialisation and decreased mental stimulation, some vulnerable individuals have experienced cognitive decline and forgetfulness, while people living with dementia have struggled to cope with the changes that the pandemic has brought and have experienced a worsening of their symptoms.
It comes as no surprise that a third of elderly and vulnerable people are now experiencing anxiety as a direct result of Covid, while 36% of over 60s now report a lack of motivation to do the things they once enjoyed.
With limited access to the internet and digital resources that have become so prevalent in life over the past year, elderly people and many living with disabilities have lost access to their social network. All of these things have added up to make improving mental health, and particularly in these vulnerable populations, a priority.
Personal Care Can Improve Mental Health Outcomes
For the elderly and those with persons living with disabilities, personal care services can make all the difference to improving mental health in the pandemic. By providing companionship as well as help to carry out essential self-care tasks such as aiding a person to wash, dress and generally take care of their home and appearance, personal care provisions can help to boost an individual’s wellbeing.
It also helps to give them a much-needed routine and structure to their day, and ensure mental stimulation on a regular basis. In a global pandemic, this essential contact can improve mental health and physical outcomes for the vulnerable exponentially.
