People in the state of Texas have shown resilience in the face of fires, floods and hurricanes. Now, along with the rest of the world, the Lone Star State residents have a new threat on their hands: the coronavirus pandemic. Texas Governor Greg Abbott offers solace during these trying times.

Governor Abbott recognizes the loss of over 400 Texans due to Covid-19. He acknowledges that the public health threat of the novel coronavirus continues to remain high. Social distancing efforts across Texas have reduced the number of deaths in the state.

Despite the threat of the coronavirus looming over the state, country and world, Governor Abbott had begun the first phase of reopening the Texan economy on April 24, 2020. This most recent executive order enforces the same social distancing practices but lifts some restrictions.

The Governor’s Strike Force to Reopen Texas includes several medical professionals and private and public leaders. The Strike Force will advise the Governor on safe practices to reopen the Texas economy while protecting its most vulnerable populations, such as adults age 65 and older.

What are local supports for seniors?

The number of Texans over age 65 is 3.2 million. The Texas Health and Human Services offers a range of support services to aid and protect the state’s growing older population. Support for caregivers is also included. Local area agencies on aging help seniors and their caregivers access beneficial programs.

Anyone over age 60 can utilize services that provide meals at home, help to understand Medicare and coordinate interim home health care after suffering a health crisis, like Covid-19. Caregivers who care for seniors and those with a disability also receive support. Help with finding community resources is available.

What stores offer senior hours?

As a part of nationwide efforts to reduce the risk of vulnerable populations from being exposed to the coronavirus, senior hours are being implemented in area stores. Seniors can pick up prescription medicines or over-the-counter ones at Walgreens during its senior hour from 8am to 9am on Tuesdays.

Local grocers, like Whole Foods, Walmart and Fresh Market, open their doors to seniors one hour earlier before opening to the general public. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7am to 9am, Sam’s Club is open to at-risk populations, including seniors. Several other local stores, too, offer dedicated senior hours.

How do seniors protect themselves when going out?

As people age, their immune systems gradually deteriorate, making them more susceptible to illnesses, like Covid-19. Aging adults should take extra precaution when going out during the coronavirus pandemic. Seniors can protect themselves by shopping during dedicated senior hours offered by most local stores.

The coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory drops. When a sick individual coughs or sneezes into the air, the virus can be inhaled by people who are nearby (within six feet). The elderly can protect themselves by avoiding touching their nose, eyes and mouth in public.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is also known to disable the coronavirus. Seniors who are unable to access soap and water in public can safely utilize hand sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent alcohol. Rub the sanitizer all over the hands for efficacy.

Many Texans wear face masks, which helps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Cloth face masks with fabric layers are effective when worn properly. The mask should fit snugly around the senior’s face. Take off the mask without touching one’s face and wash hands immediately.

Governor Abbott’s social distancing mandate also helps to slow the spread of infection. Older adults should minimize contact with others, maintaining a six-foot distance from others while in public. Avoid crowds and small gatherings, like concerts. Skip the handshake as a health safety measure.

What do seniors do if they show symptoms?

Symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Seniors who display these symptoms should call their physician first. The doctor will assess the senior over the phone and determine whether or not the patient should be tested for Covid-19.

Certain parts of Texas offer public testing sites or drive-thru locations. Seniors who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus should self-isolate themselves at home by remaining in a separate “sick” room. If possible, use a different bathroom than other householders. h

Texas health officials are working to reopen the state in a way that minimizes health risks to its residents, including seniors, yet re-invigorates the economy. Additionally, topics of discussion at the state level include re-stabilizing individuals and families financially impacted by Covid-19.

Protecting the health of seniors in Richardson is a shared effort between caregivers, family members, the community and the seniors themselves. As a reliable home care agency, Assisting Hands Home Care, remains an important part of local seniors’ health during this coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Our professional caregivers take precautionary health safety measures to ensure the well-being of our elder care recipients during the coronavirus outbreak. For example, caregivers on our team practice good hand hygiene in between visits. We also perform light housekeeping to disable viruses at home.

Assisting Hands Home Care provides comprehensive non-medical assistance to seniors. Included in our wide-ranging services are support with personal tasks, meal preparation and transportation. We’ll help your loved one shop for groceries during senior hours. Our companion care services are vital as everyone stays home.

Our flexible senior care services meet the needs of countless families. We offer respite care for short-term support, 24-hour home care, live-in care and hospice care, among many others. Professional caregivers are trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. We also support those with limited mobility.

Call Assisting Hands today at (214) 760-6944, if you or your loved ones need senior home care. Richardson families trust Assisting Hands Home Care for high-quality and affordable in-home care services. Our skilled and trained caregivers work to ensure every care recipient is safe, healthy and as independent as possible. Consult us for a free in-home assessment.