After months of quarantining, isolating, and distancing from loved ones and close friends, stay-at-home orders have been relaxed. Nevertheless for seniors in particular, can it be safe to consider venturing out?

Regrettably, there’s no cut-and-dry answer, and a variety of criteria need to be taken into consideration to come to the best decision for each person. For instance:

• What health conditions is the senior experiencing?
• How challenging has it been for him or her to be isolated from family members?
• Is the incidence rate of the virus subsiding or spiking in your area?

As a family caregiver, the best place to start is sitting down and having a one-on-one conversation with the senior. If your loved one is unwaveringly and fervently set on a particular activity, for instance seeing the grandchildren or taking a walk in the community park, make sure he or she thoroughly understands the potential risks involved.

Make certain you’re up to date as well on the current news from trusted sources on any new precautions and/or recommendations. Consider this information as just one component of your decision-making process, however, as opposed to an end-all perspective.

Next, broach the subject with the senior’s healthcare provider for an expert opinion on how to keep seniors safe and for help with weighing potential risk factors against the benefits associated with increased socialization and engagement in the community. You may also like to seek advice from other members of the family and carefully consider their input as well ahead of making the final plan on precisely how to proceed.

Most of all, take plenty of time to make certain you’re doing what’s best for your loved one’s overall health and wellbeing, rather than making a quick decision that you might later regret. If you are still uncertain as to what to do, it might be best to try to avoid venturing out with the senior for the present time and revisit the issue at a later time. And remember that you always have the opportunity to change your mind if for any reason you are uncomfortable with the first decision.

Whether both you and your loved one are at ease with the decision to go out and about, or choose to continue staying at home, you can count on Relevar Home Care, providers of senior care Grosse Pointe, MI and surrounding area families trust, to help with accompanied transportation, companionship, running errands including shopping for groceries, and an assortment of other types of assistance, always in compliance with recommended safety protocols. Give us a call at (888) 493-3513 any time for more information, or to schedule a no-cost in-home consultation.