Personal Safety Especially for The Elderly: During the COVID-19 Epidemic

The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world since January 2020 has shattered our collective sense of security by taking countless lives, seemingly at random. However, certain populations are more vulnerable to this disease than others.  One such group are the elderly adults over the age of 60. It is vitally important for individuals in this group, and their loved ones, to be aware of the risks and prepare should an elderly family member to become infected. Here are a few guidelines to help elderly family members increase their chances of remaining healthy and beating a potential COVID-19 infection.

1. Practice safety habits provided in Top 13 Things You Should Know To Stay Healthy.
2.  Make a plan in case you get sick. Know who will take care of you if your caregiver gets sick. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting extra medications to have on hand.
3. Make arrangements for getting food and other necessities delivered to you.  Order online or use a curbside pickup. Stock up on food and medical supplies in case you get sick.
4. Pay attention to what is happening locally to find out if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. If this is the case, you should stay at home as much as possible.
5. If you develop warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain, or pressure on your chest, confusion, or blueness of lips and face, call 9-1-1.

If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home here are a few additional safety practices to keep in mind.

1. Stay in frequent contact with elderly relatives to make sure they are getting the care they need and their facility follows recommended safety guidelines.
2.  Patients should stay away from groups of people as much as possible.
3.  Patients should limit visitors to individuals essential to maintain their health.
4.  Patients should practice alternative interaction strategies such as using video or telephone calls.
5. Make sure patient rooms are frequently cleaned and disinfected.
6. Consider lodging a complaint with management if you feel the facility is not providing adequate safety measures to reduce the chances of infection at the nursing home.
7. Consider bringing an elderly relative home if feasible, and if their nursing care facility does not practice above safety measures.

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