Coronavirus Particularly Vulnerable to Elderly
The virus crisis is especially harmful to those you are older, in nursing homes and have pre-existing health issues. Get the facts and take precautions.
President Trump declared a national emergency because of the coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, all Americans are focused on how to prevent getting infected and how to care for those who are infected.
The CDC says older adults and those people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are of higher risk.
For those people in a long-term care facility the virus, poses a genuine risk. The question for them, like the rest of us, is how you can prevent becoming infected in the first place.
Group Setting Pose Added Danger to Infection
In any group setting the virus can easily be transmitted from one person to another. Any virus, including the COVID-19, can spread very easily and quickly between patients, staff, and visitors. Plus, those with cognitive issues may not understand social distancing and basic hygiene, which helps prevent infection.
President Trump announced several steps to help protect those in long-term care facilities. These steps include restrictions on nursing home visitors. The goal is to protect the elderly and others with health issues who live in these facilities.
This is the “most aggressive and decisive recommendation with respect to nursing home safety in the face of the spread of COVID-19”.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The guidelines include the cancelation of all group activities, group dining, and imposing active screening of both the residents and the healthcare personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms.
The CDC has published new guidelines.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma said nursing home visitation restrictions include all visitors and non-essential personnel. There will be few exceptions, although she mentioned that hospice and end-of-life situations would be allowed on a limited basis. These rules mirror what many facilities have already put into place voluntarily in order to protect patients and staff. Most facilities have already started temperature screenings.
Compare Common Virus Symptoms
As we are entering allergy season, and many other viruses have similar symptoms, testing for the COVID-19 will be essential. This chart shows the various common symptoms:
On April 25, 2020 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added additional symptoms to its list of possible signs of infection of COVID-10. Earlier, they only noted fever, cough and shortness of breath as symptoms.
The new symptoms now include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Shortness of breath has also been changed to "shortness of breath or difficulty breathing."
Here is the full CDC list
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Some people also have a runny nose, but it rarely occurs with COVID-19. Plus, sneezing is still not a symptom of the virus. As many people suffer from seasonal allergies this is important to know.
According to reporting from CNN and Kaiser Health News, researchers are also noting unusual symptoms affecting the elderly. Seniors might seem “off” — just not acting like themselves ― right after being infected by COVID-19.
They may sleep more than usual or stop eating. They may seem unusually apathetic or confused, losing orientation to their surroundings. They may become dizzy and fall. Sometimes, they also stop talking or simply collapse.
Take Action if You or Family Member are High-Risk
According to the CDC, if you or a family member are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:
- Stock up on supplies.
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
Virus Crisis Guidelines
Testing for the virus has become a high priority. Both the public and private sectors are working toward mass testing. Home care providers will be able to test an individual in their home. However, if you have symptoms, stay at home and avoid other people. Experts say to call your doctor first instead of just going to the doctor or hospital. Be sure to use social distancing and wash your hands all the time.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
About half of us will need long-term care services due to an illness, accident, or the consequences of aging. Our risk increases as we get older. The risk to our finances is tremendous as care costs are increasing rapidly due to increasing demand and higher labor costs.
Yes, long-term health care costs are expensive, and you will be financially responsible if you have savings. However, long-term care is more than just a cash flow issue - it is a family issue since often, adult children find themselves in the role of being a caregiver.
Family caregivers are stressed physically and emotionally. You can reduce the financial and family burdens that long-term care places on families and finances AND ensure your choice of quality care options by adding an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Are you prepared?
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Working With a Specialist is Essential
Since Long-Term Care Insurance is custom designed ... and policies can vary in price, be sure to seek the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Be sure they understand the underwriting criteria of each company, is with policy design, claims, and the many tax advantages that are available. Complete understanding of the federal/state partnership program is also key.
Discussion Points with a Specialist
- Partnership – Most states offer special policies that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection. The Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program might be one of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning. Make sure the specialist explains this program and how it might help you.
- Tax incentives – There are federal tax incentives available for some people. If you own your own business be sure to ask.
- Health Savings Accounts – If you have an HSA you can use the pre-tax money in your account to pay for the premium.
- Asset-Based or Hybrid policies – These are life insurance or annuities with a rider for long-term care. Careful, only a handful are actually a long-term care benefit. However, one of these policies can provide you with the flexibility of both a long-term care benefit or a death benefit. They are expensive but can be paid with a single premium.
- Health and Family History - Make sure the specialist asks you detailed questions about your health, family history, and retirement plans. Underwriting criteria varies with each insurance company. If they are not asking you detailed questions then find another specialist.
Get Expert Help Filing an LTC Insurance Claim
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
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