(Snippets from the frontline)
COVID-19: Preparing seniors for the pandemic long run
It is apparent the coronavirus mortality rate for seniors is higher than the general population. As the public comes out of isolation, older adults will probably remain in place for fear of becoming seriously ill.
Therefore, all seniors must be adequately prepared for the pandemic long run with this checklist and access to services:
Food: Early shopping hours; discounts; delivery; plus food for pets.
Medicine: Pharmacy refills containing a 3 month supply (not the usual one month) plus delivery; freeze on all drug prices; pain management medication (relax current DEA laws temporarily).
Healthcare services: Doctor appointments; telemedicine; free home monitoring devices for blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen level; MD and nursing housecalls; dental, glasses, hearing aid assistance.
PPE: Masks, gloves, disinfectants.
Communication tools: Ground phone line, cell phones, cable TV, computers – with discounts
Social interaction: Utilizing communication tools with family, friends, church, social organizations.
Transportation: Car, bus, taxi, lyft, uber, with cost offsets.
We should surround older adults with a temporary safety net, so for those you know, make sure they have a complete checklist.
Seniors are more susceptible to this virus. Let’s care for them, as they cared for us in the past.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
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