Nationwide the unlock phase has been initiated except for some highly-affected areas. With these circumstances, it is important for you, as a senior citizen, to be prepared for the pandemic, if ever it comes closer to you, because preparedness is what will save you.
So, assuming we will get ill tomorrow, though it might even seem depressing as well as disturbing at times, you need to have a COVID-19 plan for yourself. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the pandemic if it is to affect you anytime in the near future.
1. Be ready with your emergency gear:
If you are to get sick tomorrow, it is important for you to create an emergency inventory.
- Right from your groceries, water to medication, make sure you have everything with an extra margin of ration.
- Make a list of things that you think you may need if you have to stay at home for any length of time unassisted.
- Secure at least a 30-day supply of your prescribed medication, if any, to avoid last minute rushes.
- Keep a written note of all the places you’ve stored the stockpile in, in case you need a caregiver to look it up for you when you get sick.
2. Be ready with an emergency plan:
It is important for people to know that you are sick and how they can help you. Hence,
- Make a list of your daily medicines along with the time of day you take them as it will make things easier for the caregiver to help you if you get sick. Make sure to mention the medical condition, if you have any, so as to keep the caregiver up-to-date with your health.
- Create an emergency contact list. Have an easy access book or a diary with all the family member contact information. Do not rely just on your cell phone.
- Have a plan ready for a meet-up spot with the neighbours or close friends, in case your immediate family is unreachable.
- Gather all the emergency numbers you may need, right from the hospital to the nearest clinic or a doctor as well as grocer, taxi/cab person and so on. Remember, keeping emergency information handy is the wisest thing to do in these times.
3. Secure your finances:
The most important thing in the pandemic is securing your finances.
- If you are a pensioner, try and request the banks or postal services to start off with an electronic payment system as it reduces your need to go to the place personally in order to collect the cheque or slip. This also reduces the chances of any delays in your deposits.
- Start getting used to online payments. Do this with the help of a trusted individual or a close family member whom you can trust with your pins and id is of most importance. Using online banking and transaction apps will help reduce the need for you to visit the bank or ATMs in order to get money in the emergency times.
- Keep yourself Updated:
-About COVID testing centres, the procedures, the fees etc. Alos, there are NGOs and websites that are helping with plasma donations. Make a note of these as well.
-Have a friend/neighbour/relative near you with whom you feel free to share information with and call upon in case of emergency.
-There are senior citizen services in most cities, started by hospitals, that will help you with homecare in case you fall sick. Find out about them--their procedure to get enrolled, charges etc.