Brought to you by Carebridge
Caregiving is about finding the right balance to meet the needs of your loved ones. What can you provide personally, and what outside resources need to be secured? During a pandemic, concerns about your loved one can dominate your daily thoughts. This training will identify actions you can take to assure your elders’ well-being, recognize concerning consequences of isolation, and identify options to stay connected even during times of social distancing. |
In the months since the first outbreak of COVID-19, scientists and medical professionals have noted that individuals 60+ years of age can be the most vulnerable to the illness. While anyone with a compromised immune system or preexisting condition may have an increased vulnerability and face greater issues from an infection, older individuals are at risk because they may have age-related concerns—an aging immune system and/or already present medical challenges—that can contribute to the severe respiratory illness that frequently accompanies a COVID-19 infection.
While younger people are still at risk for contracting COVID-19, their symptoms may be mild or not present at all, which can help them spread the illness to others, including older friends, coworkers, relatives, and strangers they pass in public. In order to prevent exposure and reduce the risk of additional COVID-19-related complications to one’s health, older individuals have been advised to remain home as often as possible and follow social distancing protocols.
To help those who are 60+ years of age and anyone providing assistance or care to an older friend or family member, Carebridge has collected resources that address their unique COVID-19 experience. Use these resources to plan, prepare, and respond to this national health emergency.
- Lerner Center: Tips for Communicating with Older Adults about COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19: If You Are At Higher Risk
- How Coronavirus Affects Older Adults
- AARP: Family Caregiving
- Why Coronaviruses Hit Older Adults Hardest
- Families Concerned About Loved Ones in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Articles for Family Caregivers
- Worklife Benefits and Resources: Elder care and Caregiving