Homecare For Elderly People During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The virus spreads from person to person mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

A person can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably (going from person to person without stopping) between people. A person can be infectious before showing symptoms, which is why it is important to

practice proper social distancing measures. To reduce the risk of infection, older adults should avoid leaving their homes unless it's critically necessary. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the global population in drastic ways and, in many countries; older people are facing the most serious threats and challenges. Although all age groups are at risk for contracting the COVID-19 virus, older people face a significant risk of developing severe illness due to physiological changes that come with ageing and existing underlying health conditions.

This pandemic has brought about unprecedented fear and uncertainty, especially among older adults. The elderly rely on social connection more than most and they need it now more than ever. The elderly and retired sometimes need a helping hand and they also often need to have people around them. With practicing a nation-wide lock down and social distancing vulnerable seniors could be feeling more alone than usual.

There are several reasons why the elderly are somewhat more vulnerable - they have more chronic conditions than younger people, their aging immune system makes it harder to fight off diseases, infections and viruses. Recoveries are usually slower and more complicated. Most of us are worried for our loved ones that are older and living far away from us. They might face anxiety because they live alone, are on a fixed income or pension, no longer drive and cannot take public transport, their routine health checkups are delayed. They could also have un-diagnosed or poorly managed depression.