Older Adult and Disability Sector

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• What should I do if I get COVID-19?
  If you have, or are likely to have, COVID-19, take steps to protect yourself and others. If you have any emergency warnings signs, seek emergency care immediately.

  • Get treated. If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Don’t delay! Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild. Visit: www.coronavirus-sd.com/treatment for a list of treatment options, where to find treatment, and additional resources.
  • Isolate (stay at home or in a safe place) and separate yourself from others. Instructions outlined in the If You Are Sick webpage and document are for everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status or previous COVID-19 infection.
  • Monitor symptoms and follow healthcare provider instructions. Those without a primary care provider can call 2-1-1 to be connected with one.
• What is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in congregate settings, such as in an independent senior living community?
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. 
  • Improve ventilation (air flow) at home to help prevent COVID-19 from spread to other people.
  • Maintain everyday health and hygiene practices, like handwashing.
  • Wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around other people.
  • Increase space and distance.
  • For those working with people living in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE’s), also known as Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and other residential care facilities, please see the Long-Term Care and Residential Care Facilities Sector page. 
• Are older adults eligible to get additional updated COVID-19 vaccines?
  • Older adults may be less likely to produce a protective immune response after initial vaccination. For this reason, people aged 65 years and older may get 1 additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 4 or more months after the 1^st updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Older adults should talk to their healthcare provider to see if getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.
  • For more information, visit the County’s COVID-19 vaccines webpage. 
• What is the masking guidance for older adults and those living with disabilities?
  • Masks remain a component for protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities, including older adults, people who are immunocompromised, have certain disabilities or underlying health conditions, and are otherwise at increased risk of getting severe COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
  • The California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) guidance for individuals who should NOT wear a mask:
    • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
    • Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.
  • For more information on face mask types, fit, and filtration, refer to the CDPH Face Mask Tips and Resources. 

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• How do I get access to COVID-19 email updates for Older Adults and those with Disabilities?
  • Sign up for Older Adult and Disability COVID-19 email updates by sending an email to COVID-AIS@sdcounty.ca.gov.
  • Aging & Independence Services’ (AIS) Community Resources page for older adults and adults living with disabilities also provides resources and updates.
• What are some ways for older adults to combat feelings of isolation and stay socially connected?
  • The Get Connected Guide (available in multiple languages) provides resources and strategies to help get connected, whether it’s feeling lonely, wanting to build connections to prevent loneliness, or trying to help someone become more socially connected. This guide covers how social connection impacts a person’s health, first steps to becoming connected, overcoming challenges, ways to engage, and even includes tips for caregivers.
  • For more ways to stay socially engaged, such as how to stay connected from home, learning how to use virtual platforms, and making video calls using Zoom, visit the Social Engagement page.
  • For ideas on how to connect with others, volunteer work, and more, visit the following Aging & Independence Services (AIS) pages:
    • Community Partners & Volunteering
    • Age Well – Social Participation
• What are some ways caregivers can keep their care patients, who are living with dementia, engaged while they are at home?
  • The Dementia-Friendly Activities Toolkit is a resource to support caregivers and families alike looking for simple and easy ways to engage with their loved ones.
  • This toolkit includes activities and resources that support the needs of people living with dementia and make it easier for them to remain engaged.
• How can older adults and those with disabilities get connected to food resources?
  • A variety of resources are available to ensure older adults and those with disabilities can access healthy, nutritious food. Visit AIS’ Meals and Senior Dining page for more information.
  • Individuals with funds to pay for food, but would like to try commercial delivery options can check out the Commercial Food Services page to learn how to use online commercial food delivery services, such as UberEats and Doordash, with step-by-step instructional videos.
  • If finances are tight, check out the Non-Profit Food Assistance page to discover free food resources, such as the AIS home delivered meal program, or call 2-1-1 for more options.
  • Please note that CalFresh EBT cards can now be used to pay for grocery delivery. Visit http://mycalfresh.org for more information on CalFresh benefits or call 2-1-1.
• I receive In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).  My caregiver tested positive. How do I receive emergency caregiver support? What is the sick leave policy for IHSS caregiver with COVID-19?
  • The Public Authority handles emergency caregivers and sick leave.
  • For information pertaining to these matters, please contact a social worker or the Public Authority at 1-866-351-7722.