Stay home. Avoid gatherings. Keep your social distance. These are the watchwords of the COVID-19 pandemic. Difficult to adhere to for those who are healthy – imagine how these restrictions affect our elderly? For the senior living alone whose daily or weekly highlight is going to the store, the post office, the bank, the coffee shop to meet with friends, the grocery store to pick up a few things. To take a walk to the park, sit on a bench and chat.
These simple pleasures for those who are isolated and living alone and elderly have now been restricted and are even dangerous for those who are fragile health-wise. Isolation opens the door for vulnerability to neglect and abuse financially, physically, psychologically and socially. Add the latest medical guidelines and advice and you have a case of increased isolation and vulnerability.
Most seniors live by themselves, due to children and other family members relocating, the passing of spouses, family and friends. Simple mundane and ordinary outings are what connect them to society at large. Imagine what happens when their usual social settings are shuttered – and they are sequestered at home, alone and without the beneficial interaction with friends and people in their regular spots to visit. This is one of the harshest consequences for our seniors, the majority of whom have health issues that put them medically at risk.
There is also the vulnerability that comes with isolation, becoming an easy target for financial, psychological and even physical abuse. Who can they turn to? Does anybody check on them daily – in person (with strict limitations) or for those who are technologically savvy, by phone or internet? What do they do if they are ill or injured? Who can they turn to? Many are reluctant to reach out and ask for help. Many consider needing help being weak and useless and is very frightening. That’s where BC CRN and its volunteers come in.
The BC CRN (British Columbia Community Response Networks) has a mandate to ensure our most vulnerable are connected, cared for, and staying home during the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteers across the province are helping our communities’ most vulnerable populations – seniors, immune-compromised, at-risk adults, anyone who needs assistance during this unprecedented time.
Some of the ways they help are picking up and delivering supplies and medications, grocery shopping, setting up phone trees for people to stay in touch – talk and socialize over the phone – all in an effort to keep them safe, connected and less isolated.
If you would like to become part of the solution, it’s not complicated to be the lifeline for someone who is isolated and vulnerable. A phone call, a wave, an offer to help with shopping or other errand. It’s not hard to do while following the safety guidelines and it would mean the world to them. Even if you don’t personally know someone who is alone and who could benefit from your contact or help, consider becoming a volunteer with the CRN in Hope. It’s the least we can and should do.
For information about BC CRN, visit https://bccrns.ca/ or contact kpaolini@hopecommunityservices.com or sharrisonhinds@gmail.com.