How Senior Home Care is Changing Due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sector of the population. Elderly residents have been especially vulnerable. This could mean changes are ahead when it comes to the care seniors receive at home and in assisted living facilities.
Below, we’ll take a look at how the sector has been affected and whether elderly home care will become a preferred choice for seniors.
COVID-19 is Impacting the Senior Community
What we currently know about the virus indicates that it’s spread by close, in-person contact. Drops from an infected person’s sneeze or cough can spread when people are in close contact. The surface transmission has also been discussed as a possible way to share the virus.
Many seniors already have a compromised immune system. They may also suffer from other illnesses and diseases. Combined, this makes them a vulnerable target for complications from the virus.
The Pandemic is Affecting Long-Term Care Facilities
With so many seniors living in close quarters, COVID-19 greatly affected seniors living in long-term care homes. The sector implemented many changes to help protect elderly patients such as restrictions on visitors, no gatherings in common areas and pausing social activities. Mandatory use of personal protective equipment and strict cleaning and disinfecting have also been implemented.
But time will tell if families choose to turn to nurse at home programs instead of shared living situations for seniors after the pandemic.
Will Elderly Home Care Become Preferable?
The world is in various stages of recovery from COVID-19 and physical distancing is still being enforced. Noting this, many families and seniors are choosing to stay at home even amid re-openings. Instead of visiting the hospital for medical care, many seniors may prefer at-home treatment.
Senior home care could become preferable. It allows the elderly to age in place and remains comfortable at home. Plus, many caregiving services offer to run errands for seniors, pick up their medications and limit their exposure to others in the community. They also offer much-needed companionship during these periods of isolation.
Home Care for Ageing Seniors in Oakville and the GTA
The Nurse at Home program from iCare Home Health ensures seniors receive expert care safely in their homes. Our home care specialists serve seniors within Oakville and the GTA so that they can remain independent at home for longer. Our services include foot care, wound management and more.
Learn more about our program and contact us to discuss the specific level of care you require.
President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.