The Pandemic Effects on Senior Care
The pandemic has brought to light America’s flawed elder care system. Specifically, it has brought much scrutiny to the highly publicized circumstances in which long-term care residents have accounted for 2.1 million deaths. The elderly are only 0.62% of Americas population. Now that 75% of U.S. seniors have been vaccinated there is a much needed sense of relief. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, with Covid-19 variants still spreading in other populations there is worry of mutation.
Even with the vaccine, the goal for many families is finding a long-term care solution. We have now seen the devastation of not protecting our nations seniors have had. However, now we also understand how much attention and resources it takes to give our seniors the comfort and safety they deserve. Between nursing homes and home health care, are senior group homes. Unlike nursing homes senior group homes are 4 to 8 people max. The model of senior group homes has the benefits of around the clock caregivers, comfort of a home environment and safety. Also one of the most important benefits is companionship.
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death. It is important to find a solution to keep elderly safe and healthy as well as mentally enriched.
One of the biggest problems seniors face in the Illinois area is not physical, but mental. Many seniors can feel isolated lives which can have negative effects on their health. The residents develop close relationships with each other in which can enrich the life of the elderly immensely.
source:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks#:~:text=Research%20has%20linked%20social%20isolation,Alzheimer's%20disease%2C%20and%20even%20death.