December brings with it the season of festivities; friends and family, especially our elders are filled with the warmth of love and joy as they get to spend time with their family reminiscing good times and creating memorable moments. However, the underlying threat of COVID-19 and its harmful impact on the elderly should be foreseen when planning this year’s annual gathering.
Director of Nursing at English Nursing Sri Lanka, Fiona Eccles focuses on taking precautions being a necessity, especially with adults over the age of 60 years. “There are two ways to mitigate the risk of infection; the primary manner is through minimising contact and maintaining hygiene, and secondly by limiting ‘Christmas indulgence’ as unhealthy eating spikes up during the holiday season with dessert and sugary beverages reducing the body’s ability fight off infections”
Eccles broadly explains keeping in mind a few things at this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities;
Take precautions when organising meet ups with elders
It is important to stay connected with your elderly by visiting them, however it should be done with careful consideration. The first thing to consider is, how many people? Too many would give way for higher chances of contact. Thus, having two to three members meeting them at a time is safe if social distancing can be maintained effectively.
Subsequently, the environment chosen to meet can mitigate risks of contraction. Even though it might seem safe to meet in your elderly loved one’s house, an open environment with significant ventilation is more secure. This doesn’t mean you visit a coffee shop or sit by the pavement on the main road. Setting up a picnic in your elder’s garden or terrace is not only safe, but creates a unique experience for your elderly who may have been in isolation for a long period.
However, making sure you don’t have a cold or fever before meeting up is important. Even if you do, try to self-quarantine for 14 days to be on the safe side. Remember, elders and those with underlying health issues who contract the virus are at greater risk of being severely affected.
Orchestrate a culture of minimal contact
When grandparents meet their grandchildren after several weeks, it might be difficult to refuse a hug, but developing a culture of minimal contact is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. Learning to politely say ‘No’ is important as elders are emotionally attached towards young ones and love displaying their affection. Instead of “Don’t come near me!” ask youngsters to say “Shall I keep my distance so I don’t infect you?” It may be difficult at first but it is only to keep your loved ones safe.
Furthermore, avoid sharing food amongst each other, this creates more chances for contact. Serve food on separate plates from the very beginning, this will also reduce the amount of food wasted. If one wishes to serve more, wear gloves and always sanitise when coming in contact with a common object another would use.
Transform your menu from an ‘over indulgent’ one, to a nutritious hearty meal!
What is a celebration without a good meal with your loved ones? However, Christmas feasting isn’t always the healthiest. Start by reducing the amount of cold beverages served. COVID-19 impacts ones lungs leading to congestion and difficulty breathing, staying hydrated with warm drinks helps preventing any illnesses, therefore serving hot chocolate or hot Sri Lankan black tea is a healthier alternative. Additionally, if one needs a kick of chilled carbonated drinks, substitute it with fresh orange juice to give a boost of vitamin C!
Include more fresh fruit in your desserts compared to ice creams and puddings, natural sugars as per Harvard Health have shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers while unnatural sugar found is desserts increase the risks. Our elders love to indulge during the holiday season, thereby finding ways to reduce temptation is a neat trick in having a more nutritious Christmas dinner.
Keeping in mind these, find ways to avoid social interaction as much as possible, if you are meeting up ensure you wear an appropriate mask and follow all health guidelines as advised by authorities.
Celebrating Christmas this year is going to be quite different, the only thing that should not change is showing compassion and kindness towards one another. It has been a difficult time for all and nurturing a positive attitude is vital to cope with the current circumstances. English Nursing Sri Lanka is an advocate of this; to celebrate life with positivity, compassion and kindness, by offering holistic services to take care of your loved ones with dignity and love in the comfort of their home. English Nursing guarantees peace of mind for the elderly client as well as family often living far away. For further information on English Nursing Care, visit their website www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117.