We all know social distancing is important, but many seniors are feeling the effects of isolation, which can lead to depression, anxiety and even a decline in health.
While it is important to weigh risks and benefits, experts at Gilchrist say visiting older relatives in their own homes while following safety precautions may be okay. Visits to nursing homes and assisted living homes should still be delayed.
Outside gatherings using safety measures and social distancing are fairly low risk. Consider who is coming to the gathering and the likelihood of exposure. If someone works in a public-facing job, then the risk of exposure to an older person may be high, and a visit may be ill-advised.
The more underlying health conditions a person has, the higher their risk of a bad outcome if they were to catch Covid-19. It's a balancing act between social distancing and connection, and what works for one family may not work for another. If the risk is too great now, be patient. The guidelines in effect today may change tomorrow, so if you aren't able to visit today, you will be able to soon.
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