Through the Window

What steps you should take to protect your elderly loved ones from COVID-19.

It’s now common knowledge that age is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 and that the virus is most deadly for the elderly. Worldwide, more than 90 percent of deaths related to COVID-19 have been among those aged 55 and older. That’s because as you age, your immune system becomes less efficient at fighting off infections and you’re more likely to have other health conditions that increase your risk of a severe infection.

For these reasons, it’s vitally important to protect your elderly loved ones from exposure to the Coronavirus. Whether they live in a nursing home, assisted living facility, in their own home, or in your home, here are steps you can take to

keep them healthy during the pandemic.

Wear a Mask

Anyone who comes in contact with senior citizens must be careful to take safety precautions. You may not feel sick, but you may be carrying the virus and therefore be contagious to others. Masks and facial coverings are proven to help slow the spread of the coronavirus by blocking the respiratory droplets that leave your mouth when you breathe, speak, sneeze, or cough. Be sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you’re around people outside of your home, especially if around older people. But don’t let masks give you a false sense of security. You can still spread the virus if you’re highly contagious and less than six feet apart.

Socially Distance

It’s recommended you stay at least six feet apart from others during the pandemic to reduce the amount of respiratory droplets that can reach others. For seniors, however, you may want to take more extreme distancing measures. While it’s sad not to be able to hug your loved ones or talk face to face, you want to protect them from severe illness and death. During this time, it’s safest to visit through a window, via the Internet, or on the phone. Because of this difficult limitation and the resulting loneliness, be sure to check in with your loved ones more often.

Disinfect

To help slow the spread of COVID, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you can’t wash, then use hand sanitizer. Regularly disinfect highly touched surfaces in the home or surroundings.

In-Home Precautions

Special precautions should be taken for those who live in the same home as elderly loved ones. It is safest if seniors have their own bedroom and bathroom. When sharing a living space, masks should be worn and social distancing should be followed. If someone becomes sick in the home, isolate that person inside the house or move the sick person to another location to recover.
Isolation

As much as possible, older folks should stay home except for essential activities. Family members or neighbors should look after seniors to make sure their everyday needs are met. Have groceries delivered, schedule grocery pickup, or do their shopping for them. If you’re running to the store, check to see if they need you to pick up something for them and then deliver the groceries to their doorstep. Offer to run errands or pick up prescriptions.

Schedule Vaccination

Visit your state’s website to view its vaccination program to find out when your loved one is eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. When a vaccine is available, encourage your loved one to make an appointment. If needed, schedule a time for them to get them vaccinated and make sure they get the booster shot.