{"id":346387,"date":"2025-11-07T12:42:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=346387"},"modified":"2025-11-07T12:42:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:42:58","slug":"how-to-support-loved-ones-while-quarantining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/how-to-support-loved-ones-while-quarantining\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Support Loved Ones While Quarantining"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we approach respiratory illnesses and public health. Guidance now emphasizes staying home when sick and using layered precautions after returning to activities to protect people at higher risk; see the CDC\u2019s consolidated respiratory virus guidance<\/a>. Long-term solutions will still be needed to keep susceptible people safe during seasonal surges and to support family members who are recovering at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults 65 years and older are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. In the U.S., CDC FastStats on older adults\u2019 health<\/a> show substantial chronic disease burden, and CDC reports that COVID-19 was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, with deaths and hospitalizations concentrated among the oldest age groups (2023 mortality<\/a>; COVID\u2011NET hospitalizations<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping older adults healthy and secure at home requires practical, long-term solutions. Start with basics like posting emergency phone numbers, reducing fall risks (clear walkways, add handrails; evidence supports exercise-based fall prevention: USPSTF<\/a>), and maintaining good lighting. Additional measures include arranging regular caregiving support, using modern security and safety technologies (e.g., interconnected smoke\/CO alarms, water leak sensors, and personal emergency response systems), and making communication with loved ones simple and accessible (CDC: Falls facts<\/a>; USFA: Fire safety<\/a>; AARP tech trends<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These precautions are especially important when older family members need to stay at home to recover and during periods of higher community virus activity, when added precautions (masking, testing, ventilation) are recommended around people at higher risk (CDC guidance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide provides long-term solutions for keeping loved ones safe while at home, including how to cope with stress and feelings of isolation, preparations for maintaining a safe home environment, and tips for family and caregivers who are providing support from afar. Where relevant, it reflects recent data on risks, vaccines, telehealth, and aging\u2011in\u2011place technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coping with Stress While in Quarantine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spending extended time indoors or reducing in\u2011person contact can increase psychological stress. This can be compounded by worries about illness, finances, and caregiving responsibilities, especially for older adults and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early in the pandemic, many adults reported distress related to COVID\u201119<\/a>. More recent national data show that among adults age 50+, roughly 16\u201317% had any mental illness in the past year and about 5% experienced a major depressive episode, underscoring ongoing need for support (NSDUH 2023<\/a>). Suicide rates remain highest among adults 75+ in the latest finalized national data (CDC<\/a>). The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation notes that anxiety is common in late life (learn more<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are simple ways to combat fear and anxiety, however. Here are a few best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular breaks and positive routines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether your loved ones are working from home or not, they need to take regular breaks during the day. A \u201cbreak\u201d can be described as a brief respite from work, physical exertion, or any other type of physical or mental activity, such as doing household chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a break can help older adults avoid becoming fatigued both mentally and physically. In fact, results from one study<\/a> indicate that even brief diversions from a task can greatly improve focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hobbies and pastimes are also an important part of creating a positive routine. In one study of older adults<\/a>, researchers concluded that \u201chaving hobbies and PIL (purpose in life) may extend not only longevity, but also healthy life expectancy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hobbies like the following all have positive effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n