As the coronavirus continues to sweep the nation, people are beginning to get a bit anxious. When will stores and restaurants open back up? Will we ever be able to head outside without a mask on? Some older parents may even wonder when they can hug their kids again, and their kids are wondering about ways to help their parents.
Remind your mom and dad you still love them, and help them get through this crisis by doing them a few favors and connecting when possible. Here are a few ways to help your parents weather the storm.
1. Teach Them to Use Tech
If your parents still can’t figure out how to use their smartphones to video call, it’s time to teach them a thing or two about technology. Even showing them a few basic functions on their phone or computer can make communication easier.
Plus, it’ll give them a few new skills to master while in lockdown. Start slow and remember to stay patient as you guide them through step-by-step. Then, see if they can remember how to do it themselves.
2. Warn Them About Scams
Scam callers are preying upon everyone right now, especially as most of the population is still at home in lockdown. To catch people off guard, scammers are now using COVID-19 as bait.
For instance, someone might call and offer a coronavirus package or relief payments. Often, they claim to be Medicare, Social Security or Internal Revenue Service (IRS) representatives. Warn your parents not to share any personal information with these scammers and advise them to hang up if they call.
3. Help Them Get Some Exercise
Even amid a pandemic, people still need to get their blood pumping with some exercise. Doing so will release endorphins and trigger positive feelings — and who couldn’t use an extra dose of that right now?
Meet your parents at the park and go for a walk, keeping some distance between you, of course. You might also try bike riding or even engage in aquatic exercise in their pool or a nearby lake.
4. Update Their Home Security
Since your parents are spending more time at home right now, you might give them better peace of mind by updating the bolts and locks on the front and back doors.
You might even make the front door a secure keyless entry by adding a keypad. Additionally, investing in a home security and alarm system may also be a good idea. If you do, be sure to show your parents how it works and how to turn off alarms.
5. Trick Out Their Ride
Like everyone else, mom and dad rely on their cars to get to the grocery store and the park for walks. Make sure their vehicle is in tip-top shape by performing a quick inspection.
If you’re car-savvy, you might even change the oil, make a few small repairs or surprise them with some new car gadgets. These might include a dashboard camera or an alarm system that sends alerts to your parents’ smartphones.
6. Grocery Shop for Them
If you can’t solve your parents’ car troubles but still want to do something nice for them during the current crisis, offer to grocery shop for them. Doing so will keep them away from other shoppers who may be carriers and show them you care about them and their needs.
Plus, it’ll save them from running around in a frantic search for toilet paper or cleaning supplies. Grocery shopping is an excellent way to help while also protecting them.
7. Plan for Future Fun
Did your parents already plan for summer vacation before the pandemic? If so, they’re probably bummed for having to cancel or postpone it. Lift their spirits by planning another trip for next summer together.
Choose multiple destinations or special experiences that require you to book a year or so in advance. Coordinating activities and daydreaming about an exciting trip will take their mind off things and give everyone something to look forward to when you can travel again.
8. Stay Connected
As you help your parents meet physical needs during the crisis, remember to care for their hearts and souls as well. Spend time with them and connect with them daily, even if it’s just to remind them you love them.
Of course, family time together may look a bit different right now. However, they’ll surely appreciate video calls and texts even if you can’t be with them in person.
Helping vs. Hovering
While it’s important to help your aging parents during the crisis, it’s also imperative to avoid hovering over their everyday activities. Even if you’re worried about them refusing to wear masks to the grocery store or keep their distance from passersby at the park, remember they’re still the parents. Moreover, they’re adults who can and will make their own decisions.
Thus, it’s best to give advice when you deem it beneficial and otherwise leave them to their own devices. Help as much as you can, but trust them to make their own choices. Doing so will keep your relationship strong and healthy for many years to come.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
