The Corona Virus and the Elderly
When it comes to COVID-19, older people are especially vulnerable to severe illness.
Research is showing that adults 60 and older, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or cancer are more likely to have severe, even deadly, coronavirus infections than other age groups.
If you’re caring for an older loved one, you might be worried. Here’s what you need to know to keep elderly people safer. First and most important, as a caretaker you should take all the precautions you can to avoid becoming infected yourself. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, preparing food, using the bathroom, or touching surfaces in public places. Avoid crowds, and if you cough or sneeze, do so into the bend of your elbow or into a tissue. Keep your hands away from your face. Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home often, including mobility and medical equipment used by your loved one, such as walkers, canes and handrails.
But this may be tough for older adults who cherish time spent with friends and family members. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on a person’s immunity and mental health. To help older adults feel involved, purposeful and less lonely during the pandemic:
Show them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops or tablets.
Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.
Consider giving homebound older adults a project they can work on. Suggest they go through and organize old photos and memorabilia. This will inspire stories and memories of great times in the past, that they can share with family or friends during their next video chat.
Or ask them to share a recipe of theirs that you have
always enjoyed.
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