The first week of June is Seniors' Week in Alberta, and as many of Airdrie’s oldest residents shelter at home to protect against COVID-19, the community is urged not to forget them.
“Seniors are a very vulnerable group, just because they often suffer from multiple conditions or multiple ailments,” said Shelley Rolfe, site administrator at Bethany Airdrie, a local long-term care centre. “For these individuals, COVID-19 is a much greater risk.”
According to Rolfe, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw has put in place restrictions to protect this vulnerable population. One side effect of those restrictions is an increased feeling of isolation.
“Families aren’t able to visit, other than window visits,” Rolfe said. “We’ve had to look at alternate ways to keep people connected.”
Doug Rothfus, president of the Airdrie Over 50 Club, agreed the main impact of the pandemic on seniors has been an increased sense of isolation. This is exacerbated, he said, as many organizations that cater to seniors – like the Airdrie Over 50 Club – have been forced to close their doors for the last few months.
“It depends on the individual, depending on how seriously they take this whole issue,” Rothfus said. “Some of them are paranoid and others tend to roll with it. But we all have to be careful to some degree.”
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be detrimental to seniors, Rolfe said.
“It certainly affects mental and physical health,” she said. “They have that desire for touch and to feel wanted and needed.”
“We are very fortunate, though. We have such a great, caring community here in Airdrie, and I can say that our seniors here are not forgotten.”
Rolfe said residents at Bethany Airdrie have received hundreds of well wishes from the community, and people have stuck paper hearts to windows, written messages in sidewalk chalk and given painted rocks in an effort to cheer seniors.
Charlett Hedman, seniors supports worker with Community Links, echoed that sentiment. Although some seniors in the community may be feeling lonelier than usual, she said she thinks the community in general has done a good job ensuring its older members are not forgotten.
“My own assessments, from what I’ve experienced, is that even though they’re experiencing isolation – it’s a little more difficult for some than for others – overall, the community, families and neighbours are stepping up and helping this population,” Hedman said.
Because of the isolation associated with COVID-19, those in Airdrie who work with seniors said it’s especially important to celebrate them during Seniors' Week this year.
“Here in Airdrie, we have residents that have been in this community for over 100 years,” Rolfe said. “They’re the founders of our community, they’ve helped establish what we have today and it’s necessary to honour them.”
In a normal year, Hedman said, events would be held to celebrate seniors. Due to the pandemic, those events have been cancelled. Instead, she said the community can support its seniors in more informal ways.
“Check in, because those friendly phone calls mean so much,” Hedman said.
Rolfe said during the pandemic, people should look for alternate ways to stay connected with the seniors in their lives. Social media is one great option, although she acknowledged that some seniors may struggle with that technology. Phone calls, text messages, Skype and FaceTime are other ways to communicate.
“Offer to run errands for them so there’s less risk of them being out in the community,” she said. “Support then if they’re trying to use delivery services, because that’s a new thing for them and sometimes they struggle with that. Send them a greeting card or a note of encouragement – walk up to their door and stick a note on their door.”
If you are visiting a senior in person, Rolfe said it is incredibly important to ensure you aren’t unwell and that you haven’t come in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus. You should also maintain good hand hygiene by washing frequently and practise social distancing.
Rothfus added residents should ensure the seniors in their lives are well and that their needs are taken care of.
“If you know a senior that is on their own – or even couples – and you’re friends with them, make sure you contact them to see that they’re doing fine,” he said. “Keep your phone open and your door open.”
To seniors, Rothfus’ message this Seniors' Week was simple.
“Hang in there,” he said. “Hopefully we’re going to all get through this and come out on the other side healthy.”
Ben Sherick, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @BenSherick
