As we have discussed so many times over the past months, COVID-19 has been devastating on each us or someone we are close to. COVID-19 has been the topic of many National headlines, and recently it is documented as passing heart disease as the number one killer this year.  Many families have been devastated by the effects that COVID-19 has left on them, their loved ones, and this world. 

​

The time that many world leaders have spent pointing fingers is too long; it is time for the world to take this new avenue of healing that was introduced this week to millions of people around the world and pray it is the answer that was sent from above. The first vaccine to receive FDA approval, be distributed, and administered to thousands of “Frontline Workers” is now here; and as thousands of people wait their turn to be vaccinated, we must continue to pray. The world needed a break; and if the break happens to be in a vial, let’s embrace it.

​

As millions wait and see if we are on the breakthrough of returning to what we once knew as normal, we must continue to take every precaution we know of to be safe. We must remember that in order for the world to have any chance of returning to the way we were in previous years, we must remain vigilant and we must remain steadfast and unmovable by continuing to mask up, wash our hands, and avoid large crowd when we can.

​

We are currently in the midst of the holiday season, and although we may want to do things as we have done in the past, it is time to pause for a  moment and ask ourselves, “Is it worth it?” If you answered no, then please postpone your family celebrations until it can be done so in a safe environment and a safer time. We can celebrate the act of giving at any time.

​

Additionally, check on a friend to see if they are doing ok. This holiday season will be different for millions of families. There have been so many losses due to COVID-19, and as family members and friends enter the holiday season; we must remember that many of those losses have created large voids in the hearts and lives of people we know. We have an obligation to make sure that we reach out to someone who will struggle this holiday season. Also, remember to keep check on your own mental health. In order for you to be of service to someone else, you must be able to talk about your own personal losses. Sometimes just being able to have a non-biased conversation about a topic or two will do someone good. Let’s make someone happy this holiday. Remember, the biggest gift you can give someone during their hour of loss is your time and your thoughtfulness.

 

Remember to check on a friend.

​

What you need to know if you live alone?

 

• Risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk.

• Certain medical conditions can also increase risk for severe illness.

• People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, need to take precautions to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.

​

Care Plan

​

As a Senior or a person that lives alone it is important to have a care plan that outlines important demographic information related to you. Your plan should provide the following information that will be your voice on paper in the event you cannot speak for yourself.

​

Important information for your Care Plan includes, but is not limited to:

​

• medical conditions,

• medicines,

• healthcare providers,

• emergency contacts, and

• end-of-life care options (for example, advance directives).

​​

Complete your care plan in consultation with your doctor, and if needed, with help from a family member, caregiver or home health aide. A care plan can have benefits beyond the current pandemic. You can update your care plan every year, or any time you have a change in your health or medicines. Care plans can help reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations and improve overall medical management for people with a chronic medical condition, resulting in better quality of life.

​

Read the entire article:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html

 

Related articles:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/index.html