FAQs - Older Adults and High Risk Individuals

According to the case reports coming out at this time from countries with higher volumes of COVID-19 (such as China and Italy), the experience from nursing homes in Washington State, and in information from the CDC, it is evident that people age 65 or older and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, are at increased risk of developing complications from COVID-19. We also know that this is the case in other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu.

Risk reduction starts with heightened awareness and being a bit more cautious about where we go and what we touch. 

Take precautions like washing your hands often – especially after touching commonly used things like door knobs, hand rails, gas pumps, or grocery carts. Hand sanitizer is an alternative when frequent hand washing cannot occur.  

Given the emergence of known COVID-19 cases in our region and locally, it is now advised that adults 60 and over, patients with chronic medical conditions, and patients with lowered ability to fight infections (immunocompromised) should avoid crowds as much as possible. When COVID-19 is present in the community, they are advised to stay at home as much as possible as well.  

Given known cases in the Winston-Salem area, the CDC has advised that older adults and high-risk adults avoid crowds and stay at home as much as possible. This is the time to rely on family members and their extended social network to make sure that daily needs are met. While physical contact may not always be possible, it also is important to maintain connection with family members. Platforms like video chats, texting, and a good, old-fashioned phone call are all very important at present. 

Find out the visitor restrictions currently in place at the facility. If there are restrictions, ask how you will be able to stay in touch with your loved ones (phone, video chat). Also, learn about the facility’s plans to isolate infected people and how they plan to protect their patients from exposure.

We anticipate that adult day centers will probably follow the same guidance as children’s day care centers and the school system as to closures. Prior to any potential closures, if possible, you may want to consider keeping your loved one at home while there are active community cases in the Winston-Salem area. We recommend that families have a plan in place for their loved ones should these centers temporarily close – similar to what many people are doing for their children in case there is need to close the school systems.

Most people feel less anxious when informed. We recommend maintaining awareness of the situation with updated information from reputable sites such as the NC Health Department or the CDC. Stay informed, keep up-to-date about what is happening in the area and have a plan in place for yourself, family members and loved ones – medications on hand, food for two weeks, caregiving options for loved ones who require supervision, etc. 

Yes, the flu remains quite active in our community, and vaccination is recommended for influenza prevention at this time. 

In addition to the guidelines above, the best way to stay well is to maintain a healthy lifestyle – get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, go for a walk outdoors in open spaces if weather permits, and stay connected with friends, family and social networks.