The South African government rapidly imposed a lock down and stringent rules for all South African citizens once news of the Covid 19 pandemic became public knowledge in 2019.  Retirement villages in South Africa reacted swiftly in order to protect their many residents health from Covid by locking down their villages, which meant none other than essential workers were allowed into the retirement villages.  In South Africa  we watched the rapid spread of the Covid pandemic, as it raced though country after country throughout the world, and the truly terrible death toll that Covid 19 has taken, and which still continues to cause death and suffering in the lives of so many South Africans.  Lives have been changed forever due Covid 19, as people became infected, seriously ill and died due to Covid 19.

The initial level 5 lockdown and subsequent lockdowns imposed, as well as the restrictions on life as we once knew it has taken its toll mentally and physically on the elderly.  One aspect of Covid 19 protocol which has been mandated has been the wearing of masks in public, which has often made it difficult for elderly people to recognize, or clearly hear their loved ones speak.  People who have hearing problems often rely on lip reading to understand what is being said.   Wearing a conventional mask has made lip reading impossible for the hearing impaired elderly person.

People with dementia have often not understood why they need to wear a mask in public, and have found the wearing of masks uncomfortable, which has placed considerable stress on them when they are out in public spaces, as well as exacerbated their confusion and anxiety.

The elderly have been severely impacted simply because they were elderly, and therefore much more vulnerable to contracting Covid.  The pandemic has been frightening, and an incredibly challenging time for all of us.  The elderly especially have suffered enormously, and have often felt forgotten, as they were isolated during the strict  lockdowns, and were not able to see their loved ones and family for many months on end, as many freedoms were curtailed.

Whilst we can’t avoid the fact that life is change – the enormous changes in our world due to the pandemic has often felt that our lives are out of control.   The uncertainty in all our lives that Covid 19 has brought to us has often meant that plans made can be changed at a moment’s notice, which has meant huge disappointment and heartache. We need the love and care of family and friends even more now during the Covid 19 pandemic, as love and connection is what sustains us through these challenging times of self distancing and lockdown.

In the age of technology we can make it possible keep the connection with our loved ones alive and well through Zoom calls where the family can get together to speak with each other.  Face timing our loved ones, making a family video message and sending this to our parents can bring solace and a sense of connection to all our loved ones.