What to Know About Senior Health Services for COVID-19

elderly lady with mask

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has indeed turned the world upside down. With over 30 million confirmed cases and 600 thousand deaths, according to Worldometer, it has become a top priority to stay healthy and avoid becoming infected, even with the rollout of vaccines. 

Who Is At Risk?

COVID-19 is a serious matter, but it isn’t as deadly as SARS or MERS. Some cases can range from mild to severe—some have life-threatening experiences, while others aren’t even aware that they are carrying the virus. 

Whether you have a mild or severe case greatly depends on your age and health conditions. People under 18 are likely to experience mild or moderate symptoms of the virus. Meanwhile, those with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, or chronic lung disease are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Aside from people with existing illnesses, older adults over the age of 65 are also more vulnerable to coronavirus disease.

COVID-19 Care for Older Adults

It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned for your elderly loved one. After all, more than 80% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—so it’s crucial to ensure that they are protected and cared for during these worrying times.

Unfortunately, not everyone can take care of their older loved ones. If you don’t live with them, it will be challenging to care for them, as there’s a chance that you might carry the disease and bring it into their homes. Instead of visiting them and risking them getting COVID-19, it’s best to leave it to healthcare professionals to ensure their health.

Senior Health Services in California

Caring for an older loved one in a non-healthcare setting will be challenging, but trained personnel will know the proper steps to take regarding senior care during the pandemic. Home health care agencies will protect the health and well-being of your loved one. 

They can offer specialized care for the elderly, whether suspected of COVID-19 or otherwise, while minimizing unnecessary interactions. Professional home care services will have clinical staff trained on prevention measures and screening. They will also be able to recognize the signs of coronavirus for early detection and treatment.

With home care services, you and your older loved one can rest assured that their home health providers will be symptom-free and equipped accordingly to provide the necessary care without any risks. 

COVID-19 Prevention at Home

Besides relying on senior health services in California, you should also advise your older loved ones to take the necessary precautionary measures against COVID-19 as recommended by CDC. To reduce their risk of being infected, they must:

  • Wear a face mask when interacting with others;
  • Wash hands with soap and water; 
  • Avoid close contact with ill persons; and
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Conclusion

Prevention should be the number one priority for senior health care since older adults are at greater risk of being hospitalized or dying when diagnosed with COVID-19. Make sure to have your older loved ones visited by home care providers and inform them about the best steps to stay healthy and well. 

Let our professionals at Bridge Home Health & Hospice in California keep your older loved one protected from COVID-19! We understand that the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, especially for the elderly. As such, our clinical heroes work diligently to provide the best home care services for your older loved ones during this challenging time. Connect with us to learn more!