As people grow older, their immune systems stop functioning at peak capacity, leaving them unable to fend off diseases. Kewal Kapoor, Director and Creative Strategist, CHAI Kreative and Return of Million Smiles elucidates on the importance of taking care of seniors, especially in retirement communities, to help them deal with the ongoing epidemic
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors, who are most susceptible to the virus. As people grow older, their immune systems stop functioning at peak capacity, leaving them unable to fend off diseases. People who suffer from lung disease, heart disease and diabetes are also at a higher risk.
People who are entrusted with the task of taking care of seniors, especially in retirement communities, are looking to keep people safe from infection and transmission. Visitors and staff are being discouraged from shaking hands, instructed to cough into their elbows, and are asked to avoid contact with people who live outside the community. With the escalations on mobility, off-campus outings have also been cancelled. Although it is a welcome move, it can be quite depressing for seniors. Fortunately, technology can help fill this void. Smartphones and tablets will help seniors stay in touch with their family. It is equally important to make sure they stay updated on the latest developments, so that they don’t feel left out.
Necessary safety precautions
Retirement communities must make it a point to create a page on their website where staff, residents, and visitors can go to get the latest information on coronavirus prevention and educate themselves on the steps communities are taking to prevent an outbreak. Some of the most essential precautionary measures include:
- Cleaning all the surfaces where germs could spread with approved disinfectants, standard precautions and cleaning methods.
- Infection control rounds must be performed on a daily basis to identify people exhibiting early signs of infection.
- Administrative, service and medical teams must be educated on the infection, symptoms and the precautions suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), including washing hands frequently and staying indoors when sick.
- If a resident starts to exhibit flu-like symptoms, then they should be immediately quarantined in his or her apartment. The on-campus medical team must be alerted immediately and the management should notify the local authorities.
Don’t fall for scams
Whenever there is a crisis, there will most likely be unscrupulous elements who try to take advantage of the vulnerable, and that includes seniors. It is essential that they remain vigilant and stay on the lookout for scams.
- Avoid emails or WhatsApp forwards that claim to be from the Ministry of Health and family Welfare (MoHF&W) or the WHO claiming to have latest information on the virus. Navigate to their websites directly for information.
- Do not click on website links forwarded to you by sources you do not know or trust. These links usually contain computer viruses that are designed to steal your personal information.
- Do not pick up phone calls from unfamiliar numbers and refrain from providing personal and sensitive information to people you do not know.
- Strictly ignore vaccination offers from anyone. At the moment, there are no vaccines, potions, pills, lozenges, lotions or other over-the-counter medication to treat or cure the infection.
- If you want to donate to crowdfunding sits or charities, make sure you do your due diligence. Do not let anyone rush you into a donation. If someone wants cash donations by transferring money online or by buying gift cards, don’t do it.
The coming weeks are going to be difficult for all of us, and we need to stay together to fight misinformation, protect ourselves and our loved ones without making them feel ostracized, and come out stronger. If everyone takes the necessary precautions, we can successfully contain the spread of the virus and flatten the curve.