Preserving the Mental Health of Older Adults in Quarantine 26-05-2020
I did not think that this scenario would be so common in the midst of this pandemic that we are living, but many people considered population at risk for their advanced age and for pre-existing medical conditions, are being a challenge for all members of the household.
Some are looking for any excuse to go for a walk, to go back to the supermarket or to pass by the neighbor's house. And when the children claim him, his answers are: "Total, I'm old already", "I'm not going to get stuck with that", "I don't want to be locked", "I'm old enough for you to control me".
What can you do about this situation?
Always speak to them from love and genuinely make your feelings transparent!
- Agree that you can't control their behavior
- Empathize with them and validate their emotions (Ex: "I perfectly understand that you don't want to be locked in; I feel that way too")
- Recognize and accept your fears about the situation
- Transparency of your fears (do not fight them or give them an ultimatum). Ex: "It makes me anxious that you go out frequently because I don't want to get sick; I don't want something to happen to you; it would be difficult for me if something happens to you
- Explain well the reasons behind the safety measures they must take. They may not handle the same information you do.
- Ask them what you want from them and explain why (Ex. I would like you to go out to the supermarket only once a week to avoid exposing yourself and us)
- Offer them alternatives and be willing to negotiate (Ex: let's go together every 15 days to the supermarket; let's go out together to walk better at 4:30pm when there are fewer people)
- Accept that you cannot control their behavior (Yes, this is repeated, because it is the most difficult to do, but the most important).
If you feel that your father or mother has an elevated irritability, you perceive him as low in mood, more restless or nervous, or his answers when you talk to them about these things they are more of the "anyway, let me stick to see if I die faster" wave, I recommend you talk to a mental health professional to know how to deal with it and if any therapeutic intervention with the family is necessary.
Preserving the Mental Health of Older Adults During Quarantine
Facebook, Instagram, INECO, Infobae and UNICEF joined forces in the #EnCasaconSalud campaign to promote people's emotional well-being during this period of social isolation. In the next-to-last installment, tips for older adults, caregivers and their families to spend the quarantine with peace of mind. Click here to see the full article
