Protection of senior citizens from Covid-19
JOBURG – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the greatest risk is not the virus itself but existing and underlying health conditions that may compromise a person’s ability to fight infection.
The senior citizens of South Africa may be susceptible to the diseases that come with the coronavirus. South Africans are urged to not spread misinformation and panic so as to protect those that are more vulnerable to the virus.
CEO of Auria Senior Living, Barry Kaganson said most of their residents are over 75 and because of their age, they are at a higher risk category. “From the time that we became aware of the spread of the virus, we set up our own internal protocols for prevention, treatment and quarantine at our senior living communities.”
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According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the greatest risk is not the virus itself but existing and underlying health conditions that may compromise a person’s ability to fight infection. Thus, elderly people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes and anyone with a condition that affects the immune system need to be particularly vigilant.
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Kaganson explained that at Auria Senior Living, they have isolated a section of the care centre at their flagship senior living community, San Sereno, as a quarantine and treatment area should one be required for Covid-19 patients. The care facility has also introduced a 14-day shift cycle.
“The new shift cycle will mean that staff will reside full time at Auria communities over a 14-day time period, to avoid the daily commute and the associated risks. Following the first 14-day period, the next shift will take over and reside at San Sereno once again for another 14 days,” said Kaganson.
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Kaganson added that despite the higher susceptibility among seniors, in a well-managed facility older people may, in fact, be better protected from the disease and its effects in controlled environments that senior living communities, retirement villages and the like provide.
“Senior living communities have the benefit of the better preparedness of management teams in ensuring hygiene protocols, given that the spread of flu among the elderly is always a risk. These environments are well set up to handle infection as well as to ensure the best hygiene practices, so infection prevention and control are in place at all times,” concluded Kaganson.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/northcliff-melville-times/313203/tech-thursday-heres-uber-bolt-ensure-safety-wake-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/
https://www.citizen.co.za/northcliff-melville-times/312341/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-self-isolation-quarantine-explained/
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