When it comes to elderly care, keep the following in mind regarding the Coronavirus:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Coronavirus is scary, perhaps especially for seniors that are most at-risk of contracting this disease. In Colorado, there have been over 2,300 confirmed cases at the time of this blog, including 47 fatalities. China asserts that those most impacted have underlying health issues that could compromise their immunity system.
Risk Factors
Another common risk factor for contracting this virus is age. In fact, China reports that the average age of those contracting Coronavirus is 75 years old, with around 2% of those infected dying from the disease. Other risks beyond co-occurring medical issues include a poor immune system, certain medications, and living in communal situations, which can hasten the spread of any virus.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 seem mild at first, but the problem comes from the respiratory distress and congestion that comes later. Be wary of coughs, sneezes, runny nose, and a fever, these could merit testing and assessment from your practitioner. When the virus spreads to the lungs, it can cause pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly among seniors.
Precautions and Prevention
Keep loved ones and clients safe with senior care geared toward precaution. Social distancing and maintaining a six-foot berth in public is prudent as COVID-19 is spread through viral droplets of bodily fluids, a sneeze, a cough, or an infected surface can spell trouble for a senior or individual with a compromised immune system.
Some other things that you can do to help keep seniors safe include:
- Encouraging them to stay indoors as much as possible, except for essential outings or emergencies.
- Offering to grocery shop for them and leave goods at their doorstep to minimize social contact.
- Use the phone to check in daily on seniors that live autonomously. Social distancing may make some seniors lonely; encourage relatives or neighbors to call and check in, also.
- Ask them what they need and offer to help them out. Stores during a pandemic can be daunting, even scary. Make sure your loved one has the things that they need during this difficult time.
- Encourage your loved one toward a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise, and habits.
- Remember that washing hands is integral to preventing the transmission of this virus. Make sure to gently remind seniors, and everyone, to wash well.
We can help with senior home care that is both compassionate and capable. Visit or call
Gentle Shepherd Home Care, a premier and locally-owned In-Home Care provider serving Colorado Springs, and Colorado residents widely.
