The unprecedented effects of Covid-19 have shined a light on the pros and cons of healthcare options for the population of aging individuals in our country. For the majority of us, social distancing means staying six-feet apart and obeying mask mandates, but to the elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it means zero visitors, zero hugs from loved ones, and zero physical interaction with the outside world. The viral pleas for pen pals and sentimental visits from family members separated by the glass are more reminiscent of inmates in penitentiaries than aging adults in healthcare facilities.

While these strict precautions are for their protection and well-being, the quality of life aging adults are experiencing in this global pandemic raises the inevitable question: Isn’t there a better way?

Healthcare at Home

The better option for senior healthcare is healthcare at home. Aging in place allows seniors to safely enjoy their own home without sacrificing their quality of healthcare. The same services offered in high-priced nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be offered at home with the added convenience of familiarity and comfort. Another top benefit of aging in place is the overall safety of the environment. Infections and illnesses ran rampant throughout senior facilities even before Covid-19 due to the dense population of individuals with compromised immune systems. Home healthcare removes the dense population and thereby lowers the risk of contracting a harmful sickness. Instead of being locked inside a facility weathering the Covid-19 storm (or any other illness for that matter), seniors receiving healthcare at home have the freedom to socially distance in their own home regardless of Covid-19, flu season, or any other contagions. 

The Better Way: Integrity Care and Staffing

Integrity Care and Staffing is a senior healthcare agency providing in-home care in Seattle, Renton, Gig Harbor, Kenmore, Bellevue, and Olympia. Since 2010, Integrity Care and Staffing have been dedicated to providing quality in-home care to the Puget Sound area. Their offered services range from care management and travel assistance to memory care and private aides. Integrity Care and Staffing’s long list of provided services allow each client to choose the healthcare that best fits their unique needs. 

For more information, visit https://integritycareandstaffing.com/

Image Source: thelegacyseniorcommunities.org

I feel that the world has changed all of a sudden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s a social stigma that’s going around as the WHO and government urge everyone to practice social distancing and quarantine to combat the virus. Both as a protection and a mistrust of those who might possibly be afflicted with COVID-19. And with too many uncertainties lurking around, stress and anxiety are an all-time high. Elevated by the fact that we cannot even hug or be with the people we care and love.

I’ve seen two sets of people in this crisis: those who stay confined in their houses having everything they need versus those who struggle to stay afloat in these trying times. And it made me think about how we are threading the same water but not on the same boat. And those aged 60 or older adults are riding on a weak boat that can topple down faster than a Titanic.

The truth hurts that in this time of crisis when we need companionship the most, the same companionship could put us in danger. Our elders, being one of the high-risk populace, had to exercise extra precaution in exposing themselves to crowds and other people who might wreak havoc to their health. However, we also forget the fact that most of the illnesses our elders get are driven by depression and anxiety. The social distancing protocol had not only limited their social interaction but the overall connection to the outside world. Being social humans as we are, lack of connection leads to self-isolation. And self-isolation is a mental health issue that triggers and heightens the risk of contracting the chronic disease and psychiatric disorders. Both could lead to premature death.

The digital world has made it possible for our elders to survive these hard times. It makes it possible for us to interact with our loved ones and friends. Also, it offers entertainment and online classes to alleviate boredom and anxiety. However, nothing beats personal interaction. And that’s when institutions such as Integrity Care and Staffing, located in Seattle, WA, makes a difference. Providing home care services for elderly adults to ensure their health is taken care of and accompanied during these uncertain times.