Senior Safety Tips for Staying at Home

As COVID-19 continues to move across the United States, it’s more important than ever to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy with these senior safety tips for staying at home.

Studies shared by the CDC prove that risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19 increases with age. This is especially true after age 50. Someone who is 85, for example, has a much higher risk for complications than someone who only turned 50 last week. That’s why it’s so critical that seniors, caregivers, and loved ones work together to limit exposure and prevent transmission in the first place.

The best way to stay safe and healthy remains the same: stay at home as often as you can, and don’t venture out unless you have to. But there are other actions you can take to help avoid COVID-19 no matter where you are. Stay healthy and avoid infection with these important senior safety tips.

1. Know Your Risks

When it comes to COVID-19, virtually everyone has at least some risk for contracting the disease. But certain demographics, including seniors, are at an increased risk for extreme side effects, such as pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke. You need to be aware of your personal risk factors if you want to stay safe.

Here’s how to figure out where you stand.

– General Risks

Research shows that transmission risk increases each time you come into contact with someone outside your “bubble.” The more often these encounters occur, the higher your risk for becoming sick – especially if they occur in crowded indoor spaces. Continue to limit contacts and practice social distancing as you can.

– Personal Health Risks

One of the most important senior safety tips is understanding your own personal health situation and how it may be a risk factor. If you are immunocompromised, taking biologics, undergoing chemotherapy, have just had surgery, or suffer from some other moderate to severe health condition, you may have a higher risk for complications than the average person. You might have a higher risk for contracting coronavirus in the first place, too.

– Lifestyle Risks

Your lifestyle might make you more likely to suffer from severe illness if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. Smoking and obesity, for example, have been linked to severe illness and poor treatment outcomes. Not getting enough exercise and excessive alcohol intake may also increase your relative risk for complications.

Most research also shows that a fast response to COVID-19 results in a better prognosis. If you feel sick, it is extremely important that you contact your doctor or seek treatment right away. Don’t wait until you are extremely ill to get help.

2. Follow Public Health Guidelines for Senior Safety

Local, state, and federal health authorities continue to monitor COVID-19 through constantly changing conditions. These senior safety tips include knowing where to find their recommendations and how to contact them, should you need assistance.

• Your own local Department of Public Health may have information and services available to help you cope. They also provide daily updates on cases and coronavirus research. Some locations may also facilitate COVID testing.
• The CDC has a wealth of information available to help you stay safe in the pandemic. This resource is available 24-7 and is updated on a daily basis to contain the most pertinent info you need. Check here to learn more about coronavirus, how to avoid it, how to cope with it, and how to stay well.
• The California government also has a website set up to help you learn more about COVID-19. This is an excellent place to get information about local changes to stay-at-home orders, closures, and where to find help if sick.
• The California Department of Aging also has a database of information available specifically targeted to senior safety. This is an ideal place to find information that applies specifically to those over age 50.
• Don’t forget your pharmacist! Your local pharmacy plays an important role in helping people understand and respond to coronavirus. They can help you better understand the illness, determine your risk factors, or even cope with the symptoms, should you become sick. All you have to do is call!

3. Get Medications By Mail

Need medications? There may be an easy and effective way to access them without ever stepping foot into a brick and mortar store. Just ask your local full-service pharmacy if they offer mail-order medication services. This easy and convenient service ensures that you don’t need to leave home, but don’t have to go without.

Mail-order medication services work on a fairly simple basis. You order and pay for your prescription in advance, typically online or over the phone. The pharmacy fills it as they normally would, but sends it out by trackable mail instead of holding it for you. All you need to do is sign for the package once it arrives.

In most cases, you can expect to receive your medicine within a few short days, especially if you live in the same area as the pharmacy you order from. This process could take up to two weeks if you order from a non-local provider. Nearly all medications, except for narcotics, are eligible for this service.

4. Order Medical Supplies From Home

Need ostomy supplies, insulin needles, blood sugar testing equipment, or even just a replacement cane? Maybe you just need to temporarily rent a walker while you heal from an injury. Your pharmacy can help you fulfill this need, too.

Ordering medical supplies from home is quick, easy, and simple – just call the pharmacist and let them know what you need. They’ll arrange to have your supplies mailed or delivered to your door, letting you stay safe and cozy right at home.

Note that some medical supplies (e.g., IV tubing and machines) may require a prescription. If you’re out of refills, or aren’t comfortable visiting your local doctor’s office due to symptoms of COVID-19, don’t go without. Reach out to your pharmacy anyway – they may be able to contact your doctor about a phone-in RX instead.

5. Take Advantage of Delivery Services

Delivery isn’t just for medical supplies or prescriptions! Whatever it is you need, you can probably have it delivered right to your door. These services provide immense value to vulnerable seniors, for whom every potential exposure counts.

• Your local pharmacy may be able to have over-the-counter medications, basic first aid supplies, and general pharmacy goods delivered to you, too. Don’t be afraid to ask about this service, even if you just need some Tylenol for a headache. They may even offer same-day delivery!
• Order from virtually any brick and mortar business, including restaurants, grocery stores, and more, with PostMates. This service operates via an easy-to-use smartphone app that instantly matches you with couriers operating within your local area. This, too, can limit potential exposures.
• Driving service Uber also provides delivery of goods sourced from virtually any local business. Order food, party supplies for a special stay-at-home birthday party, pet supplies, or even equipment to repair a leaky sink. Whatever it is you need, they can help you access it.

Seniors should take advantage of these services whenever they can. But caregivers, loved ones, and anyone else who visits on a regular basis should use them, too. This will help reduce the potential for third-party exposure and infection. These senior safety tips are essential to keep those you love safe. Do you have more questions? Contact Burt’s Pharmacy today!