This is how you can help your elderly relatives and friends during the coronavirus outbreak

Many may be concerned for elderly relatives during the coronavirus outbreak - but there are helpful steps you can take to protect and support them.

What is the current advice for elderly people in the UK?

The UK government has instructed the over 70s - a high-risk group - to remain indoors as much as possible in the coming weeks to avoid exposure to the virus.

This makes it more important than ever to make sure you're checking in on elderly friends and relatives - at a distance - to ensure their wellbeing.

What can I do to support the elderly during the outbreak?

General support

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, told the BBC that it's key to check on elderly relatives and friends regularly during the outbreak. If you are not able to do this in person, you should make regular phone or Skype calls to check in.

"If you have any concerns about their health or need more information about coronavirus call NHS 111 or visit the NHS website," Abrahams added.

Older people and their families can also call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65.

Medication

Another way you can help the elderly is to make sure that they have all the essential medications they need, in case they're not able to leave the house.

Where possible, you could help them to access extras so they don't run out. You can also check whether the local pharmacy is able to deliver medication, as some are planning to do this in the case of a large-scale coronavirus outbreak.

Shopping and food delivery

Though the government maintains that stockpiling food is not a necessity at this stage, you can help less-mobile elderly people by helping them stock up on enough non-perishable food items to keep them going should they - or you - be unable to visit for a little while.

You could also schedule food deliveries to their home if you're trying to avoid contact completely.

Keep them moving

You should also encourage your elderly friend or relative to keep moving as much as possible, even if confined to their home. This is important for boosting physical and mental health.

It can be something as simple as walking around the house, garden, or even standing up a few times every hour.

Carers

If you are not the primary carer for your elderly friend or relative, make sure the primary carer is washing their hands thoroughly and not working if they become unwell.

If the elderly person is in a care home, you should check what the home's policy is in the event of an outbreak to make sure you are aware of what you may have to do should such a situation arise.

What if my elderly friend or relative becomes unwell?

If your elderly relative is showing the symptoms of coronavirus, do not take them to a GP. Instead, keep them inside and call NHS 111. You'll then need to follow the advice given over the phone.