COVID‐19: What Older Adults and Caregivers Need to Know

July 7, 2020

Male nurse talking to elderly man

 

Know the Symptoms of COVID-19

Call your health care provider if:

  • New or worsening cough
  • Mild shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Other signs such as: fever, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell

 

Call 911 if:

  • New or worsening chest pain or pressure
  • Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Confusion or unable to wake up
  • Lips or face turning blue

 

Know the Facts about COVID-19

 

  • Adults ages 65 and older and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of serious illness.
  • Medicines can be harmful when used incorrectly. Right now, there is no proof that any medicine, vaccine, or therapy can prevent or cure.
  • It can take up to a year or more to study and develop new medicines and vaccines to treat COVID-19.
  • Do not take advice from the news or social media to make health decisions. Talk to your health provider about what is right for you.
  • Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for correct, helpful, and up-to-date information about COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
  • Call 24 hours a day/7 days a week
  • Available in over 180 languages
  • Get answers to your questions about COVID-19
  • Access to food, mental health, financial assistance

 

Call 211 for more information about COVID-19 and Community Resources

 

 

Health Care Offices and Hospitals are Open

  • For routine health matters, call your health provider to:
    • Schedule a routine visit: in-person visits may be changed to a telephone or a video visit
    • Discuss new health concerns: such as changes in weight, blood pressure, or sugar readings
    • Check that your vaccines are up-to-date: Are you due for a pneumonia or flu shot?

 

  • Seek help right away for:
    • Sudden confusion
    • Fall or other serious injury
    • Heart symptoms such as chest pain or hard time breathing
    • Serious or long-lasting bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea
    • A mishap with a medicine or household product by calling the Maryland Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222

 

Get Your Routine Medicine from a Distance

  • Choose mail order or delivery service
  • Ask your provider for a 90-day supply
  • Ask your pharmacy if they offer pill packs or pill boxes

 

Senior Call Check

  • A daily call to verify your well-being at a time scheduled for your convenience. Register today or tell a loved one about this free program for Maryland residents 65 and older.
  • 1-866-50-CHECK or register online at aging.maryland.gov.

 

Information provided in collaboration with the Maryland Poison Center.

Visit us on the web: https://www.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/

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