Older adults are more vulnerable to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) due to compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions. Seniors, loved ones, caregivers, and the community at large plays a vital part in preventing the spread of disease and protecting seniors from coronavirus.
How to Protect Seniors from Coronavirus
- Prevent yourself from getting and spreading coronavirus
- Start with preventative measures so that, even if you are not in a high-risk category for the disease, you do not become a carrier and pass it along to more vulnerable groups.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands regularly and when entering a new environment
- Avoid touching your face
- At home, disinfect common surfaces, such as handrails and doorknobs, and increase ventilation by opening windows or circulating air
- Start with preventative measures so that, even if you are not in a high-risk category for the disease, you do not become a carrier and pass it along to more vulnerable groups.
- Protect seniors from exposure
- Do not visit senior loved ones and neighbors if you have any symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who is sick.
- If you live with an older adult, the CDC recommends that “healthy people in the household conduct themselves as if they were a significant risk” to seniors or vulnerable loved ones. Wash your hands frequently. Clean surfaces, high-touch areas, and utensils thoroughly and regularly.
- If you are well and can make a trip to the grocery store, post office, pharmacy or other high-traffic public place on behalf of a senior loved one, you can help minimize their exposure to coronavirus.
- Prepare seniors for sickness and staying home
- Ensure senior loved ones have enough food, medications, and other supplies to remain at home should they become sick or need to stay home.
The Oregon Health Authority is advocating for widespread awareness of preventative measures, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
Stay up to date with coronavirus (COVID-19) information for seniors and caregivers at www.councilonaging.org/coronavirus and Facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentralOregon.
