According to the Centers for Disease Control, seniors are a high-risk age group in the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with an underlying health condition are extremely vulnerable. Grocery stores are setting special early hours for seniors so they are the first to enter and the only group in the store during the special time. Senior living communities are closing their doors to the visitors of those who live there. Staff and medical professionals are the only people allowed to enter in an effort to keep the seniors safe. That is because this disease spreads person-to-person, person-to-surface-to-person and by people who are asymptomatic. Now more than ever is the time to keep surfaces in senior living spotless, deep clean and disinfected.
Clean saves lives
The CDC says, while this is a relatively new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, COVID-19 can survive for hours and days on surfaces. Surfaces in senior living are touched a lot. Senior living communities are revisiting their infection prevention and control protocols now. Regular contact with surfaces in these communities is a risk factor for acquiring and spreading pathogens and viruses. Cleaning is a key factor in stopping the spread. These surfaces, primarily, should withstand rigorous cleaning many times a day as potentially weakened immune systems in senior living communities may interact with solid surfaces daily.
Best cleaning practices
Clean and disinfect high touch hard surfaces like counters, tabletops, chair arms, wheelchairs, doors and windows including knobs and closures, light switches, etc. Cleaning removes contaminants, disinfecting kills pathogens. Clean thoroughly with soap and water, disinfect with products that contain alcohol or bleach. It is important to clean senior living surfaces to meet a high standard as a catalyst to better senior health and wellness.
Support mental and emotional senior health
In this time of social distancing, senior living communities have shut their doors to keep their residents safe. Now more than ever, seniors need support and encouragement. Family and friends find creative ways to stay connected to love ones like playing tic-tac-toe on the windowpanes and having dance parties on either side of the glass. You can also send a letter or a picture of children’s artwork via email to senior living communities to brighten someone’s day.