Guidelines For The Elderly Population To Win The Battle Against COVID-19

  • June 12, 2020 BY  Anthem Seniors
  • Anthem Senior Sanctuary
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Talking about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, it has brought about unprecedented fear and uncertainty, especially among older adults, and rightly so, older people are especially vulnerable to severe illness. As per research, adults 60 and older, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or cancer are more susceptible to receiving the more serious end of the disease. Seniors are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their compromised immunity and multiple associated comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. But, fret not! There’s no need to panic as long as you are strictly adhering to the precautionary measures laid out by the government, which can highly reduce COVID-19 transmission among elderly population.

Older adults are clearly advised to refrain from coughing or sneezing into bare hands; shaking hands or hugging friends; visiting crowded places like parks, shopping malls; visiting hospital for routine check-up; self-medicating, and coming in close contact with those displaying symptoms of coronavirus disease.

The guidelines to be practiced and observed by senior citizens to fight the disease include

  1. stay at home,
  2. wash your hands at regular intervals with plenty of soap and water,
  3. use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available,
  4. avoid visitors and gatherings,
  5. disinfect items that are frequently touched (i.e. doorknobs, remote controls, faucet handles, etc.),
  6. wash hands before and after meals,
  7. sneeze and cough into tissue paper and handkerchief,
  8. keep your distance of at least six feet from anyone coughing or sneezing,
  9. keep monitoring your health, and talk to your doctor about how at-risk you are and how your underlying conditions may affect your health with COVID-19.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Exercise– It is recommended that you make sure that your senior loved one gets exercises while he’s at home, which can easily be done by going on a 15-30 minute walk or stretching outside. Mental exercise is equally as important. Playing board games, doing puzzles, painting or crossword puzzles will help stimulate cognitive health.

DietMore so now than ever, a healthy diet is crucial to staying healthy during this time. A healthy diet would comprise protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy and any vitamins or medications prescribed to you or your loved one.

It is essential to follow all government guidelines to ensure the safety and health of yours and your loved ones. Stay in virtual contact with friends and family. Remember, we need to practice social and physical distancing but not social isolation.

Senior Sanctuary of Anthem- an award-winning Anthem assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ- remains firmly focused on promoting the safety and well-being of our residents and team members. We already have our evidenced-based Infection Control and Prevention program in place based on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidance.

Our COVID-19 Safety Measures:

  1. Personal protective equipment for infection control- face masks, face shields, gloves, etc.
  2. Resident temperature checks on average per day.
  3. Cleaning and sanitation
  4. Healthy, homemade meals served daily in residents’ suites
  5. Weekly community emails to families

Video chats with family and coordination of care with physicians.

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