In some parts of the U.S., the next round of COVID related illnesses are already here. Other parts of the country are bracing themselves so that they can handle it in a better fashion than they did during the first wave. Senior care services especially are preparing themselves for this second wave of the pandemic. The elderly have been hit far harder by the novel coronavirus than any other population, especially those seniors that already have health problems that they are fighting.
Research indicates that those with pre-existing conditions are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, and seniors tend to have greater health issues than the rest of the population. This puts senior care centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and any other organization that works with the elderly in a precarious situation. On one hand, seniors need to avoid exposure to those that might spread the coronavirus as much as possible, but many are also in a position where they cannot get through each day on their own without help. Finding a safe way to help this population is a must.
Of course, that’s much easier to say than it is to do. That’s why care services all across the country (and world) are all taking precautions with the hopes of protecting the people that they work with as much as possible. This looks a little bit different depending on where you’re located. But for the most part, all care services are taking steps to protect seniors.
There are things that you can do to help keep your family safe. Even if your community doesn’t have a high infection rate, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask if you go out can lower your risk of infection, along with those that you are close with. Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding busy places can also help you to lower your risk of getting sick or spreading the disease. Even if you are not in a high risk category, those around you might be. You might be completely asymptomatic and unknowingly spread the illness to those you are near–even those that you don’t know. Taking precautions to prevent the spread of illness really does have the potential to save lives and lessen the severity of a second wave.
In times like this, things like professional senior care remain important. Even if it seems like accessibility to care might be diminished, it’s still important that your loved ones have access to the help that they need. Speaking with a local care service about what is available is a good way to get started. Even if things seem like they are scaled back, these services are still available. They just look a bit different.
Call us if you’re looking for care in the San Francisco area. We are still providing care, but in a responsible, socially aware way. Feel free to call for information on the precautions that we are taking to help you and your family stay safe during this time.
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