With COVID-19 cases rising in the region and province, and the implementation of lockdown restrictions, older adults and their caregivers face further isolation.
If more health-care providers contract COVID-19, there will be fewer providers available to provide support and care. These issues, coupled with shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, create several safety concerns for our older adults, according to a joint news release from Simcoe County agencies.
Be wary of:
- Wandering – for older adults with dementia who may wander, their health and well-being is at risk if they wander from their homes without the knowledge of their caregivers;
- Elder Abuse – for caregivers, the burden of care can become stressful putting older adults at risk for intentional or unintentional elder abuse, including neglect.
- Cyber-security – for older adults and caregivers who are relying more on technology to stay connected with loved ones and to support contact with health care providers, cyber-security is a risk.
A variety of resources are available to help older adults and caregivers reduce risk, including the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s Finding Your Way program, MedicAlert®Safely Home® program, Project Lifesaver, It’s Not Right resources targeting elder abuse, and both Cyber-Seniors and Telus-Wise that promote cyber safety.
Be a good neighbour, if you know or suspect an older adult and/or caregiver is at risk, reach out to offer a hand. You can also encourage families and friends to access the resources available online. Together, we can ensure we keep our seniors as safe as possible during COVID-19.
