It’s not just working-from-home employees who are grappling with a late spring dose of cabin fever. Forced to stay inside and often in their own units, senior living residents also must deal with the anxiety-inducing irritability that can accompany prolonged isolation indoors.
Making matters worse is that many of the boredom-reducing activities that are a staple of senior living — such as visits from loved ones, group activities, off-site trips, dining with friends and socializing in common areas — suddenly are unavailable, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, residents are being asked or are being required to stay in their rooms.
“Absolutely, I’m beginning to feel cooped up,” said Janet Schroeder, 86, who resides at Three Crowns Park in Evanston, IL. “Sometimes, I get very tired of my apartment. I want to get out and go someplace — I miss seeing people” Schroeder told Kaiser Health News.
