The coronavirus outbreak has been a trying time for all families with a loved one in a senior living facility. Older adults have the highest risk of developing severe and potentially fatal complications from the virus, and nursing homes have been linked to 40% of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States, according to The New York Times.
In order to curb outbreaks, most facilities have restricted or banned visitors. While this has been an important step to keep at-risk residents safe, it has also added to the strain being felt by families. Seniors face risks not just from the virus itself but also from the negative effects of social isolation, which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes include a 29% higher risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and 50% increased risk of dementia. In what feels like a lose-lose situation, many families are asking the same question: is it safer to bring seniors home?
Not everyone has the space, time and resources required to house and care for elderly family members. If people in your family are going to work or interacting with others socially, for example, home life might be less safe than a nursing home with strict protocols. But the LA Times reports some public health figures have come forward urging families that can do so to remove older parents and grandparents from residential facilities. If this is the route you choose, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your home to ensure that it is safe and comfortable for your loved one. Read more.