The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone on a global scale, in some way or another. However there is one group that has been especially at risk of fatal consequences if they catch the virus, and that is the elderly. The severity of the virus differs from patient to patient, however, with most of the elderly, there are the physiological weaknesses due to age as well as the potential of underlying health conditions making them that much more susceptible.
We have seen that those countries with a larger aging population have been some of the worst affected, with over 50% of all fatalities involving people aged 80 and older. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes, and similar comorbidities were found in 8 out of 10 of those deaths [according to WHO]. While these facts and numbers are worrying to those of us who have elderly loved ones in our care, they do help us to make informed choices as to what the best course of action could be to keep them safe during the pandemic.
Is your loved one really safe at home?
Many of you are facing the difficult decision of how best to take care of your aging loved ones during the pandemic. Your loved ones may still be living on their own at this point, or you might have been taking care of them at home for a while, however these options might not be in their best interest.
Naturally, you may feel that keeping your loved one at home with you is the safest bet, because you know who they have come into contact with and are right there to take care of them should they need companionship or medical care. However, it’s not that simple. If you, or anyone in your household, leave the house for any reason such as grocery shopping or for a doctor’s appointment, there will be a risk of exposure to the virus and the possibility of bringing it back into the home. You can take as many precautions as possible and still be unlucky enough to make your loved one sick.
The pandemic will not disappear overnight, while many countries are experiencing their peak in terms of new cases and fatalities, they will still feel the effects and deal with cases for months and months to come. Hospitals will be full to the brim and short on staff and supplies, making it that much more risky if your loved one falls ill (of COVID-19 or anything else that requires their admission). Schools and workplaces will open up again as before, which will mean that new surges in cases will occur and the chances of bringing the virus home will increase. So you will need to make a decision sooner than later that will benefit the whole family and keep your aging loved ones safe.
Here’s why specialised facilities like Livewell are safe spaces for your loved one
National lockdowns and self-isolation have a far greater impact on the elderly than one would initially expect, their health and psychological needs become higher than ever. Without the frequent visits from family members and friends, or outings they can look forward to, they are more prone to loneliness and depression. Those who live with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those who struggle to express themselves, are also in need of more regular health checks to monitor if they are showing any symptoms of the virus as they do not have the ability to either notice the symptoms or have the inclination to let someone know that something is wrong. They might even have some of the COVID-19 symptoms as a part of their existing conditions such as shortness of breath, dry coughs, or fever, and are then especially in need of trained professionals who know and work with them every day. This is why it is suggested that your loved one be in a specialised dementia care facility where they can get this kind of one-on-one care.
However, not all care facilities are made equal, so it is important that you do your research into a reputable care home that you can trust. Livewell is a specialised dementia care facility that is well positioned for keeping your loved ones safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are going the extra mile and putting checks and rules in place to ensure that we are following every protocol to adhere to governmental regulations to keep our residents and staff safe during these uncertain times.
At Livewell we have made adaptations to our procedures due to the pandemic, however, we still offer the same devotion to dignity and quality of life for our residents as well as the high standard of care we are known for providing; including:
- All precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease to residents
- Staff are highly trained, specifically to the special needs of those living with dementia
- Residents receive 24/7 specialised dementia care right through lockdown
- Medical and health services
- Occupational therapy and personal grooming continues
- Full in-house activities program to promote cognitive stimulation
Read more about our COVID-19 admissions procedures here.
If you are considering a dementia private care facility for a loved one, speak to one of our trained family advisors for assistance.