Stay connected online
OUR 93-year-old monarch has been chauffeured out of Buckingham Palace and dropped off at Windsor Castle in response to the coronavirus crisis.
The Queen is taking part in social distancing and the move to Windsor Castle happened one week earlier than planned for her usual Easter break.
Changes have also been made to her diary for some upcoming events to be cancelled or postponed.
Older people are in the firing line with this virus – the highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with underlying medical conditions.
Yet, there is no evidence yet that older people are significantly more likely to acquire the coronavirus than younger people.
In Australia, for the older people who do not have staff or chauffeurs to remove them from sources of infection and accompanying problems, the government, various businesses and associations are providing advice and services to enable seniors to cope with virus conditions.
Global Centre for Modern Ageing CEO Julianne Parkinson said recent research had highlighted the importance of seven needs for older people – choice, safety, comfort, access, independence, connection and happiness.
Despite the current challenge of achieving these outcomes, Ms Parkinson said people who did not feel comfortable continuing with their usual activities – or who may need to stay at home if unwell – could still connect online.
“The weekly catch-up at the local cafe can be replaced with an online video chat using one of the many readily available platforms such as WhatsApp or FaceTime, some medical appointments can be conducted using telehealth and people can also learn new skills through online learning if they are enabled,” Ms Parkinson said.
She added that people who would like to use technology to a greater extent but needed some guidance should also feel comfortable and not embarrassed asking for help during the coronavirus pandemic.
In other areas, Advance Care Planning Australia medical director Dr Karen Detering and Dr Chris Moy, chair of the AMA Ethics and MedicoLegal Committee and advance care planning ambassador, are urging people to prepare now for the months ahead.
“Families need to prepare for a time where they may be called upon to make decisions for their loved one who may become suddenly ill with coronavirus. Research tells us that too many families find themselves in the devastating situation of making decisions blindly, without knowing or discussing their loved one’s preferences. There is an opportunity to act now,” Dr Moy said.
“Advance care planning is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for older Australians, particularly those with existing conditions such as lung and heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
“We recommend they start a conversation with people close to them and potentially choose a substitute decision maker they can trust to make decisions for them if needed.”
In terms of everyday living – don’t count on online shopping and delivery, as some supermarkets have already closed this down.
On the other hand, Coles and Woolworths have dedicated certain shopping hours that will allow seniors and vulnerable people to beat the crowds and buy from restocked shelves in a freshly cleaned environment. But not everyone agreed with the PM’s sentiment that called the dedicated shopping hours “common sense” and a “good idea”.
Readers’ comments on the Seniors News Facebook pages have included:
“My issue is that people are lining up for an 8am opening. Very concerned that seniors who are high risk have to get in that line-up!”
“I’d have to be desperate to go to Woolies between 7–8am! This time is not suitable for me as a senior person. I’d rather go shopping later in the day.”
If elderly or vulnerable people are unable to get to a supermarket to buy essential items, they can also log on to Foodbank’s website (www.foodbank.org.au/homepage/whowe-help/individuals) to find a local charity or service nearby.
Out of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion funding package, specific services for seniors have been allocated $101.2 million.