As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, we have learned a lot about how the illness affects each of us – and who is most at-risk. Older adults are categorized as being more at-risk than the younger individual for a few different reasons, but please do not let that panic you.

Below, we’re discussing what makes seniors more susceptible and how they can keep themselves safe and healthy!

Why Are Older Adults More at Risk?

The thing that makes seniors most susceptible to Coronavirus, if no pre-existing conditions exist, is simply age. Aging makes our immune systems grow weaker and deteriorate. With a weak immune system, our bodies have trouble fighting off disease or infection, and they have to work much harder to help the body recover and repair after an illness. The lungs, too, are affected by age, losing their resiliency and elasticity with time. This makes the virus all the more dangerous to seniors, with difficulty breathing being a major symptom.

How Can Older Adults Protect Themselves?

Limit Visitations

If you are frequently visiting with your seniors, you will have to consider scaling back how often you and other family members visit. We know this is difficult, but keep in mind that it is for your senior’s safety. Instead, try video calls or phone calls to stay social with your senior! Trips to doctors’ offices should also be limited during this time. If an appointment is not medically necessary, encourage your seniors to reschedule it for a later date.

Follow Guidelines

Try to ensure your seniors is following guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to the best of their ability. They should wash their hands frequently throughout the day, for at least 20 seconds per wash with an alcohol-based soap. Surfaces like countertops and doorknobs should be disinfected often. If your senior is visiting with others, or if they’re venturing into public places, they are advised to wear a mask for their safety.

Have Supplies

During isolating and quarantining at home, the last thing you want to happen is for your senior to run out of supplies! This includes basic household items, like soap, disinfectants, and toilet paper. Additionally, check on the quantity of any routine medications they are taking and make sure they have plenty of food! Help your senior stay stocked on these items by touching base with them weekly and running errands when necessary.

Please contact our experts at Senior Care at Home and schedule your consultation for further guidance and information to keep your senior loved one safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.