Seniors Matter(s): How COVID-19 has affected seniors

Hello.

I feel like Bobby Ewing stepping out of the shower in “Dallas,” Season 6. I was gone, but now I’m back.

A lot has happened since my last article. I have taken my previous articles and put them in a paperback format available at Fincher’s in Kincardine or from me at billpike3@gmail.com. They are also available at Amazon Kindle.com under Seniors Matter(s)!

I stopped writing, like Forrest Gump stopped running, because I had run out of things to talk about. But now, I have been rejuvenated and have a litany of new things for us to think about.

It seems that issues concerning seniors is a never-ending topic.

I hope to join you every second Wednesday as before, and explore items of interest, motivation and concern that affect seniors.

My return article will be short, but I feel compelled to address COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and what it has done to us as seniors.

My articles have never been political in nature and will continue to be so. I am trying to assess the situation and consider what has happened and why.

No one could have predicted the devastation that this disease has wrought upon us, particularly the elderly. It is clearly a double-edged sword as seniors are the most vulnerable and at the same time, many are living in long-term care homes.

I reviewed my articles about home care, long-term care, and personal caregivers/burn-out, and found them all to, unfortunately, come true in the pandemic.

We reap what we sow.

I applaud the long-term care homes in Bruce and Grey counties. They have risen to the challenge of keeping their residents safe. It is to their credit for having a dynamic organization in place to fight the onslaught.

Unfortunately, province-wide, we have seen huge disparities in seniors’ residences. There is no need to repeat the horror stories.

I am mildly encouraged to read about the intents of government to regulate, monitor, supply financial support, and address the chasm of inadequate facilities and protection for seniors. How it will play out will be interesting and probably the source of another article.

I remind readers that CARP and the government ministry for seniors continue advocate for us.

Although the most affected, seniors continue to be helping the cessation of the spread of COVID-19 by being isolated, and wearing protective devices, as required.

I only wish all sectors of our society would sacrifice the same to stem the flow.

Stay safe, stay calm.

As someone once said, “May you live in interesting times.” I think we have arrived!

‘Till next time

If it is to be, it is up to me.