Queen Silvia of Sweden has written a letter of support to the elderly, their relatives and care workers. In the letter the Queen recognises the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused especially for the elderly and expresses her gratitude to their carers.
The daily life of many people around the world has been changed dramatically with the coronavirus pandemic. Also in Sweden, various measures have been put into place to halt the spread of the dangerous virus. As elderly people are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus, they should avoid direct contact with others as much as possible. In these difficult times, Queen Silvia says she thinks especially about the elderly people, dementia sufferers, their relatives and care workers.
Queen Silvia of Sweden, who currently resides at Stenhammar Palace with the King, has, therefore, written down some words of encouragement to the elderly. The Queen sent her “warmest greetings” and reminded the people that brighter times are coming. Queen Silvia spoke from experience as she and the King have also gone into isolation.
In the letter, the Queen also stressed the importance of a phone or video call, letter or text message to the elderly, even though this cannot replace direct, personal contact. She wrote: “A few minutes of your time can lift another person’s entire day. I, therefore, sincerely hope that this is something that you can imagine giving.”
Her Majesty also spared a thought for everyone in elderly or dementia care who “sometimes have to work in very demanding circumstances”. The Queen expressed her gratitude as she stated: “Your efforts are invaluable.”
The full letter (translated in English) can be read below:
“These days, there is much that is different – often also more difficult – than it usually is. In the pandemic that is now afflicting the world, and changing so many lives, I am thinking in particular of all of you elderly and dementia sufferers who are in an extra vulnerable position.
Similarly, I think with gratitude of everyone who works in elderly and dementia care to take care of our elderly and help them feel safe – sometimes in very demanding circumstances. Your efforts are invaluable.
From my own experience, I also know how challenging it can be as a relative of a person with dementia; how much anxiety and frustration you can feel. At the moment, your situation may be more difficult than ever. Many of you are now struggling, and deserve our appreciation and compassion. In this strained situation, I would like to send you my warmest greetings. Many of us have friends or relatives who are older, and who now have to isolate themselves.
Every human being, no matter who, needs to be seen and heard. It is a deep human need, which follows us through life from childhood to old age. Perhaps a phone or video call, letter or text message may not provide the same contact and presence that can be accommodated in the personal meeting. It can’t replace a hug, or a warm hand on a tired shoulder, but it can still mean so much to those sitting alone and isolated.
A few minutes of Your time can lift another person’s entire day. I, therefore, sincerely hope that this is something that You can imagine giving.
With common forces within the research community, in health care and care, we will move towards brighter times.
My thoughts are with you.
SILVIA“
