Senior Citizens Line and Scouts will help at Christmas, seniors and people in quarantine or Covid positive

With psychologist and head of the Senior Citizens' Line Kateřina Bohata how to spend this year's Christmas nice and safe

"Christmas is a beautiful, but also very challenging time, not only during a pandemic. We all have an idea of how we would like to spend it and it doesn't always work out. This year it will be even harder because we may not see all our loved ones out of caution," says Katerina Bohatá, head of the Senior Citizens' Line. "If we want to see our loved ones at Christmas, we need to consider how likely it is that COVID-19 would put them at risk and how difficult it would be for them to be alone at Christmas time. Loneliness is also very difficult and for some it may be the last holiday for them. It is important to talk to your loved ones about this and listen to their wishes. If your grandmother says how important it is for her to see her grandchildren during the holidays, despite the risks, and that she wishes to do so, respect her right to decide for herself and try to arrange the reunion to be as safe as possible. " adds Katerina Bohatá.

So what are the recommendations for safe meetings during the Christmas holidays? If we decide to see each other together, it is advisable to follow these precautions. A few weeks before Christmas, avoid contacts that are not strictly necessary and thus reduce the risk of infection. It is possible to have a voluntary test just before the visit to make sure that the disease is not present. If we still do not feel well before the scheduled visit, we may consider rescheduling it. Even if it means we have Christmas Eve on New Year's Day. It is also possible to organise a less risky outdoor gathering, organise a Christmas family walk in the woods or take a stroll around the Christmas decorated square. "And for those who are left alone during the Christmas holidays, there will be a Senior Citizens' Line. The phone number 800 200 007 will be available to anyone who needs it at Christmas. A call can relieve the feeling of sadness from loneliness and support if the weight of the recent loss of a loved one weighs on us at Christmas." says the head of the Senior Citizens' Helpline, Kateřina Bohatá.

At the same time, the Senior Citizens' Line wants to help those who are worried about contracting COVID-19 and therefore prefer not to go to places where there are more people around to spend Christmas. "And equally we are thinking of those who are currently experiencing the disease or are quarantined and have no one around to go shopping, to bring them medication. That's why we have extended our voluntary help not only to the elderly, but also to younger people who are sick or quarantined and have no one to turn to," Bohatá said. The senior citizens' line is very busy, receiving around 100 calls a day, and some calls are long, so callers have to make repeated calls. "In order to make it easier for callers to ask for Scout volunteer help, we have set up a push-button option on our 800 200 007 number and option 1 is for Scout volunteer help enquiries only. In this way, we have connected over 300 callers with the Scouts in the last 6 weeks, many of whom remain in longer term contact with "their" volunteer." Kateřina Bohatá explains. "Volunteers are available to callers at Election 1. We are really grateful for their help," she adds.

The Senior Citizens Line, operated by Elpida o.p.s., is one of the most used crisis lines in the Czech Republic. The phone number 800 200 007 is open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. every day, including holidays and Christmas. It primarily serves seniors and those who care for seniors - loved ones and professionals. During the pandemic, it also facilitates Scout volunteer help and connects seniors and now also COVID+ people from all over the Czech Republic with volunteers from the Junák - Czech Scout organization who provide basic practical help. By calling 800 200 007, it is possible to request a delivery of medicines, shopping or, for example, to pay post office bills. During December, this service was extended to people with COVID+ and in quarantine of non-senior age.