As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the nation, research has shown that senior adults and people with underlying health conditions are the demographics at the highest risk of critical complications from the illness.
The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases as you get older. According to the CDC, the most significant group at risk is people aged 85 or older. While COVID-19 is dangerous for senior adults, there are several things that everyone can do to reduce your risk and stay healthy during the pandemic.
At USA Healthcare, we offer premier elderly care to our Alabama residents in our skilled nursing facilities. We’re deeply invested in the well-being and safety of the senior adults in our community. Our USA Healthcare team has compiled the recommendations and relevant resources needed to help senior adults stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 is an illness to take seriously, especially as a senior adult. Eight out of ten COVID-19-related deaths in the U.S. have been adults 65 years and older. As a senior adult, you are at high risk for severe illness if you experience COVID-19. Severe illness can result in hospitalization, intensive care, a necessary ventilator, or death.
COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Ultimately, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. However, there are several practical things that you can do daily to help reduce your risk of getting COVID-19.
Here are some of the CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus:
If you do get sick, follow the CDC guidelines on what to do, and reach out to a trusted loved one to let them know. If you’re experiencing emergency warning signs, call 911 or your local emergency facility.
Between monitoring doctor’s appointments, changes in Medicare and Medicaid, and finances, senior adults have a lot on their plate already. During this time, senior adults need to know that they don’t have to have it all figured out on their own.
The following resources help senior adults and caregivers through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond:
These resources are only a few of the many resources available to senior adults in Alabama and throughout the United States. For more information, visit our USA Healthcare Resources page.
Skilled nursing facilities allow senior adults to receive the care they need in a comfortable, safe environment. At USA Healthcare, we offer personalized and planned nursing care for each of our residents, with our goal being for each resident to achieve their highest quality of life.
Currently, the CDC has many recommendations for long-term skilled nursing facilities like USA Healthcare. The CDC has advised that skilled nursing facilities:
At USA Healthcare, it’s our privilege to treat your loved ones like our own family. Over the last several months, we’ve worked hard to abide by the guidelines the CDC has provided while still maintaining the morale and comfort of our residents. This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but we truly are all in this together.
Learn more about our Alabama skilled nursing facilities and long-term care options at USA Healthcare. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment.