The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented times for society as we all try to keep one another safe and adjust to new safety protocols. For the elderly Americans in nursing homes, COVID-19 can cause stress and anxiety. In a recent study, it was found that nursing home residents have suffered from higher cases of depression, loneliness, and anxiety throughout the pandemic.
Dalli & Marino is a team of New York nursing home lawyers who understand how difficult it can be to watch a loved one suffer as a result of anxiety while in a nursing home. If your loved one has suffered from anxiety during COVID-19, it is crucial that you know ways you can help them cope.
What Are Symptoms of Anxiety during an Infectious Outbreak?
When an infectious outbreak occurs like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is natural that the most affected demographic will experience anxiety. COVID-19 has been found to have the most dangerous effect on those in the elderly community, making it unsurprising that nursing home residents are experiencing some of the following symptoms of anxiety:
- Fear and worry about their health and the health of loved ones
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Worsening of preexisting or chronic health issues
If you see your loved one suffering from any of these symptoms of anxiety as a result of COVID-19, it is important you take steps to help them cope.
How to Help Loved Ones Cope with Anxiety during COVID-19
If your elderly loved ones are experiencing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are ways that you may be able to help them cope with anxiety. Here are some tips to help a nursing home resident with anxiety about COVID-19.
- Remind them to take breaks from watching or reading news regarding COVID-19 or the pandemic.
- Make sure they are getting enough sleep.
- Make sure they are keeping up with their eating habits.
- Encourage them to exercise by going for a walk outside or around the nursing home each day.
- Participate in activities they enjoy with them, like puzzles or reading a book together.
- Make sure they feel connected. Even if in-person visits are not safe, make sure they are set up with FaceTime or other video call platforms, so they are able to still feel connected to everyone.
- Make sure that the nursing home staff are aware of any anxiety they may be having so they may monitor it and care for them accordingly.
COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone, especially those in nursing homes. If your loved one is suffering from anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that you do your part to help them cope.
Get Help from a Skilled Nursing Home Lawyer
Nursing homes are meant to be a safe place for older people to be cared for by medical professionals. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety can be caused by nursing home abuse. If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact a skilled New York nursing home lawyer to get help with your claim.
Dalli & Marino is a team of skilled nursing home abuse lawyers with extensive experience helping clients in New York since 1996. We are proud to offer clients the award-winning representation they deserve as we help defend the rights of their loved ones. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us here or call (888) 465-8790.
