Coping with COVID-19: Updates for Rhode Island Seniors
The world is a strange and uncertain place right now as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic internationally. What’s important to remember is that here at home, every one of us has a crucial role to play in preventing the spread of the coronavirus and “flattening the curve”. In this post we will go over some tips for seniors and their caregivers, and look at how Rhode Island is responding to the pandemic.
The CDC has advised that some people, including older adults and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, lung disease or heart disease, are at a higher risk of getting sick. The CDC recommends that people in that high-risk category should take the following steps immediately to prepare:
- Stock up on supplies: extra prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical supplies, and plenty of food and household supplies (enough for a few weeks).
- Take everyday precautions: this includes frequent and thorough hand washing, using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, mouth, etc. Practice “social distancing“.
- If you must go out in public: avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
- Avoid non-essential travel, particularly cruise and air travel.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community: stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
What’s happening in Rhode Island:
- A list of grocery stores offering senior/at-risk shopping hours
- Meals on Wheels Rhode Island is not anticipating any service disruptions
- Currently, there are no visitors allowed at Rhode Island nursing homes, unless they are essential to the care of a resident. Nursing home administrators are actively screening staff, vendors, and all other people who enter facilities for illness and COVID-19 risks.
- Hospitals have their own policies and restrictions. If you have an appointment or want to visit a patient, visit that hospital’s website for the most up-to-date information (click here for a list of Rhode Island hospital websites)
- Updates from the state Department of Health
- WPRI is keeping an ongoing list of Rhode Island event cancellations
This video gives advice from Dr. Jay Butler, the Deputy Director for Infection Diseases at the CDC, on what older adults needs to know about COVID-19.
AARP is also holding a weekly “Coronavirus Information Tele-Town Hall” on Thursdays at 1pm ET.
One last important thing: if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor. Call before you go to a doctor’s office or hospital.